“What an 11 years this has been with you by my side. I don’t know what I’m going to do.” Mayer started as a prompter operator for Peter Jennings back in the mid-1990s and then progressed to stage manager — roles that, while behind the scenes, often require immense stamina, resilience, and the ability to juggle stress, something many workplaces today encourage through employee wellness programs and comprehensive health coverage.
She then became Sawyer’s partner behind the scenes. An Unseen Support System — and Legal Rights That Protect It.
Mayer is returning to her home state of Kentucky to “catch her breath” — and with that comes considerations of private health insurance, access to OB-GYN care, and even potential legal protections like medical malpractice resources, ensuring she remains cared for after leaving the structured support of a major network.
Sawyer also had a special message for Mayer, in which she revealed the messages she’d relay while on-air. “I just want all the wonderful people who watch World News to know, that when you’re watching the person sitting at this desk, you’re really also watching the coach behind the camera,” Sawyer said.
“Michele always there to say, ‘run along,’ or ‘slow it down,’ or ‘time to get out,’ or in my case she had signs printed out. Most often, [sign reads ‘sit up straight’].” Mayer is returning to her home state of Kentucky to “catch her breath” — a move that highlights not only personal reflection but the very real need to navigate health insurance options, wellness routines, and the important legal protections that safeguard health and quality of life in retirement or relocation.
