Beloved anchor Jessica Ralston absent from Good Day Columbus after sharing heartbreaking update on husband Jimmy Johnson

BELOVED morning news anchor Jessica Ralston has announced she's stepping away from Good Day Columbus following the death of her husband.

A shattered Ralston mourned the death of her husband, Jimmy Johnson, in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

"These are not the words I want to share but they need to be said. I am taking a bit of a break from Good Day Columbus and hope to be back soon, when I can face the world again," Ralston wrote.

"You see, I lost my best friend. My human. My person. He is gone. 14 years of laughter, tears and so much love is suddenly gone.

"I am shattered beyond belief and I have no idea what to do next or how to move forward. I am terrified. I am angry. I am lost.

"This grief and fear is like nothing I have ever known. Yet I do know that so many of you have experienced the same."

The heartbroken widow continued: "I wonder how you survived. How you pulled yourself out of bed every day? How you made it through so much pain.

"I do not know if I will ever be whole again. I do not know if I will ever be 'me' again.

"I can not imagine getting on TV each morning and smiling and laughing as though my entire life hasn't collapsed.

"I realize I am going to have to find a way to make it through. That's what he would want.

"If you have stories to share or words of advice. I am ready to hear them. Until we meet again."

Ralston did not disclose details about her husband's death.

The Emmy Award-winning news anchor hosts Good Day Columbus on local ABC affiliate WSYX weekdays from 5 am to 9 am.

Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Ralston got her start in the news industry as a producer at WFMJ-TV.

A self-described "Ohio girl at heart," Ralston is a five-time Emmy Award winner and has earned 16 Emmy nominations.

She's also been honored with 36 Associated Press and Broadcaster's awards.