Colleen Jones, champion curler and CBC broadcaster, dies at 65

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There were tears, hugs and fond memories shared about Colleen Jones at the Olympic Curling Trials in Halifax on Tuesday, as Canada’s curling community mourned the loss of a champion, trailblazer and veteran broadcaster.

The curling legend and long-time CBC reporter died Tuesday, at the age of 65, following a battle with cancer. The news hit hard in her hometown, where the country’s best curlers are competing at Scotiabank Centre this week to determine who will represent Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The Canadian men learned of her passing immediately after they left the ice surface in the afternoon and met the press. The women digested the news before they took the ice Tuesday night. Many considered the popular Nova Scotia curler a friend or mentor.

Fans stood and applauded for a touching video tribute honouring Jones before the women began playing. Her family members and teammates were on hand, watching from the ice.

“I think she was a person in the world that left a big footprint, but in curling, I don’t know if anyone will leave a bigger one,” said Kim Kelly, Jones’ long-time teammate, fighting through tears as she talked about her friend’s leadership and personality.

“It was authentically oozing out of her, so you couldn’t help but have it brush off on you. She wore it, and if you got close to her, it hopped on you ... that’s what she did for me.”

Kelly remembers a woman who balanced curling and journalism, excelling at both with her engaging personality.

Christina Black, playing in her home province, said she idolized Jones. She recalled begging her parents to make a trip to watch Jones play live at the Scotties in Charlottetown.

“I wouldn’t be here today without her,” said Black. “I’ll never forget watching that final when she won, and she fell onto the ice, and just like the joy. ... I was like, ‘I want to have that moment, you know. I just want to have that moment like Colleen’.”

Brad Gushue called Jones a friend, saying he looked up to her when he was coming up in the sport.

“When I was growing up, she was the biggest curler in Atlantic Canada and the biggest curler in the world,” said Gushue, of St. John’s.

“She dominated women’s curling for a long period of time and to have her so close to my home, it was an inspiration for me and then when we became friends … I’m sad. I knew she wasn’t well for the last little bit, and to hear the news today, it breaks my heart.”

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Kerri Einarson teared up thinking back on playing in an event with Jones in Nashville.

“Such an honour and a privilege to be able to have played with her. I believe that was her last game she played, and she was unreal,” said Einarson. “I’ve always looked up to Colleen, and she’s done so much for our sport, and to have been able to play with her was a dream come true.”

Rachel Homan said Jones did everything full-hearted, whether it was curling, calling lines or officiating a friend’s wedding.

“It doesn’t matter what she did. She poured her entire soul into everything, coaching, playing, just zest for life,” said Homan. “If anybody asks something of her, she just said, ‘Where and when?’ … there’s not enough words to describe what she meant to the sport, what she meant to her friends and family.”

Brad Jacobs admired Jones’ intensity on the ice.

“She is, without a doubt, an icon in the sport, someone that I used to love watching as a kid on TV in all those Scotties,” said Jacobs, glad he’d spent time with her at an event in Nashville just last year.

“What did I like about her style? Super intense, always chewing gum. She played to win. She was a great champion.”

Jones’ son, Luke Saunders had announced his mother’s passing on her X feed earlier Tuesday.

“Mom had been fighting and trying to beat back cancer over the last 3 years or so,” Saunders wrote. “Late this morning, while looking out on the ocean from her favourite spot in Maders Cove, with my Dad, brother and myself beside her, mom passed away.

“Please think of your favourite Colleen Jones moment, cherish it. Hurry and love hard.”

Curling Canada reflected on Jones’ many accomplishments, including six Scotties championships and a pair of world championships. The national body thanked her for her work as a player, curling coach, broadcaster and ambassador of the game.

“Thank you, Colleen, for your enduring contribution to our sport. Every shot played. Every rink inspired. Every life you touched. You will be deeply missed and your legacy will forever endure on the ice and in our hearts,” the statement said.

Jones was especially beloved within Nova Scotia’s sporting community. In 2018, Jones finished second to NHL star Sidney Crosby in a listing of the greatest 15 athletes in Nova Scotia’s history.

Jones was inducted into Canada’s Sport Hall of Fame in 2016 and appointed to the Order of Canada in 2022.

In 1979, just 19 years old, Jones won her first of 16 provincial women’s titles, and a silver medal at that year’s Canada Games.

She was also a mainstay on CBC News for nearly 40 years as a reporter and host.

She served as a curling reporter at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics and was a co-host the online series That Curling Show with CBC journalist Devin Heroux.

She retired from broadcasting in 2023. When she joined CBC in 1986, she was the first female sports anchor in Halifax.

“I was fortunate enough to get to do lots of interviews with her, and just talk with her off to the side at the rink,” said Kevin Koe.

“I think everyone is so proud of her, and not just the Maritimes. I think all Canadians were because she represented us so well ... It’s a sad day.”

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