Margaret Orr Biography
Margaret Orr is a retired American meteorologist, weather anchor and reporter who previously worked as the chief meteorologist at WDSU News in New Orleans, Louisiana. She joined the WDSU News in 1979 as a general assignment reporter and retired in 2024.
Margaret Orr, the beloved meteorologist with a knack for making even the worst storms seem slightly less terrifying, has retired after a legendary career at WDSU News in New Orleans. Starting as a general assignment reporter in 1979, Margaret worked her way up to chief meteorologist in 2009 and officially hung up her weather maps in 2024.
During her tenure, Margaret guided Southeast Louisiana through 31 hurricanes, including the infamous Katrina and Ida, proving she was tougher than any storm. Her calm, reassuring presence was like a warm gumbo on a cold day—comforting and always just what you needed.
A proud New Orleans native, Margaret graduated from Louisiana State University and completed the Mississippi State Broadcast Meteorology program. She earned every accolade imaginable, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters in 2022 and the Distinguished Service Award at the National Hurricane Conference. In 2024, she reached peak local celebrity status by being named an “Honorary Muse” by the all-female Mardi Gras Krewe Muses.
Margaret was as much a part of New Orleans as beignets and brass bands, known for her bright pink wig and uncontainable enthusiasm during WDSU’s parade coverage. “Who else could make meteorology and Mardi Gras collide so effortlessly?” fans wondered.
“Margaret’s retirement is the end of an era,” said WDSU General Manager Mike Neelly. “Her dedication, expertise, and ability to rock a pink wig are unmatched. Her legacy will inspire us all.”
Her final newscast aired on March 29, 2024, at 6 p.m., and we can only assume she signed off with a smile, some glitter, and perhaps a “laissez les bon temps rouler.
Margaret Orr Education
Margaret is a graduate of Louise S. McGehee High School. After graduating from high school she attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast meteorology from the Mississippi State University. RELATED: Lindsey Nance
Margaret Orr Age and Birthday
Margaret is about 70 years old as of 2025. She was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America. However, information regarding when she was born and celebrates her birthday is currently not yet available in the public eye.
Margaret Orr Height
How tall is Orr? She stands at an average height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) and maintains a body weight of 58 kg.
Margaret Orr Parents
Margaret was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana by her parents. She is the daughter of (mother) Gladys Raby and (father) R.S. Orr. Details regarding her siblings are still under review.
Margaret Orr Husband
Margaret is currently married to her husband Bill Settoon. The couple are proud parents of three children Kathleen, Alden and Grace, and two grandchildren. The family currently lives in New Orleans. RELATED: Otis Sudeikis
Margaret Orr Daughter’s Cancer
Margaret has a daughter by the name of Kathleen, who is a cancer survivor. Her daughter at the age of 24 years old, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins lymphoma (considered one of the most treatable cancers). Her daughter stated that she began by having symptoms like skin rash and night sweats. She underwent chest X-rays and it was confirmed that she is suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Margaret Orr Hair
Orr has long red-brown hair. Her viewers speculated that she likes wearing wigs but on January 9. 2018, she posted on her Facebook account that she does not wear wigs and that is her original hair. She also mentioned her hairdresser Christina Michelle who blow drys her hair.
Margaret Orr Salary
Margaret worked as the chief meteorologist at WDSU New in New Orleans, Los Angeles earning an estimated annual salary of $82,495.
Margaret Orr Net Worth
Margaret as an accomplished American meteorologist, weather anchor, and reporter has an estimated net worth of $2 million.
Margaret Orr Retired/ WDSU
Margaret Orr, the beloved meteorologist with a knack for making even the worst storms seem slightly less terrifying, has retired after a legendary career at WDSU News in New Orleans. Starting as a general assignment reporter in 1979, Margaret worked her way up to chief meteorologist in 2009 and officially hung up her weather maps in 2024. RELATED: Tori Roloff
During her tenure, Margaret guided Southeast Louisiana through 31 hurricanes, including the infamous Katrina and Ida, proving she was tougher than any storm. Her calm, reassuring presence was like a warm gumbo on a cold day—comforting and always just what you needed.
A proud New Orleans native, Margaret graduated from Louisiana State University and completed the Mississippi State Broadcast Meteorology program. She earned every accolade imaginable, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters in 2022 and the Distinguished Service Award at the National Hurricane Conference. In 2024, she reached peak local celebrity status by being named an “Honorary Muse” by the all-female Mardi Gras Krewe Muses.
Margaret was as much a part of New Orleans as beignets and brass bands, known for her bright pink wig and uncontainable enthusiasm during WDSU’s parade coverage. “Who else could make meteorology and Mardi Gras collide so effortlessly?” fans wondered.
“Margaret’s retirement is the end of an era,” said WDSU General Manager Mike Neelly. “Her dedication, expertise, and ability to rock a pink wig are unmatched. Her legacy will inspire us all.”
Her final newscast aired on March 29, 2024, at 6 p.m., and we can only assume she signed off with a smile, some glitter, and perhaps a “laissez les bon temps rouler.
