Full Breakdown
Memphis Anchor’s Live Nap Sparks Nationwide Support
8/6/2026, 10:02:30 PM
Background & Context
Dominique Dillon is an anchor and reporter for Good Morning Memphis. After returning from maternity leave in April, the California native—who began her news career in 2017 in Texas and Louisiana before moving to Memphis two years later—was on-air with her two-year-old and eight-month-old daughters at home. On the night before the broadcast, her husband worked a double shift at BNSF Railway, leaving Dillon to manage a teething infant and a restless toddler.
On-Air Incident
During a live morning segment, Dillon fell asleep. Meteorologist Brittani Dubose whispered her name, prompting Dillon to awaken as the camera cut to the next shot. Producers in the control room initially thought she was merely looking at a tablet.
Public Reaction & Support
The clip quickly went viral, leading to an interview on the Today Show. Viewers, fellow journalists, and a local meteorologist expressed empathy, noting the challenges of early-morning broadcasting while caring for young children. She described feeling “mortified” but grateful for the supportive response.
Official Statements & Responses
Meteorologist Brittani Dubose confirmed she had whispered Dillon’s name to alert her during the incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have an eight-month-old, and I was trying to get them down to sleep at 8 o'clock, but my eight-month-old wasn't having it. She's fighting. She's teething ... and I just couldn't console her. I gave her some teething medicine, and nothing was working.” — Dominique Dillon
- “My meteorologist Brittani Dubose whispered my name from across the room,” — Dominique Dillon
- “They thought I was simply looking down at my tablet -- because who falls asleep in one minute sitting up in front of cameras?” — Dominique Dillon
- “The night before, my husband, he worked a double at BNSF Railway,” — Dominique Dillon
- “I was pinching myself under the desk like, this has to be a nightmare. Like one of those work nightmares, because it’s not my life right now.” — Dominique Dillon
