Lucy Bustamante is an American bilingual news anchor and Emmy award-winning journalist known for her work in broadcast news across major American cities. She currently anchors the FOX 8 Morning Edition in her hometown of New Orleans, where she delivers the news in both English and Spanish. The daughter of Cuban refugees, Lucy has built a decorated journalism career spanning over two decades with multiple prestigious awards for her groundbreaking investigative reporting and community-focused storytelling.
Lucy Bustamante Biography
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Lucy Bustamante Rasco |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | September 26, 1980 |
| Age | 45 years old (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Current residence | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Cuban-American |
| Zodiac sign | Libra |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Richard Rasco |
| Children | Four (Twin boys age 16, daughter age 13, son age 10) |
| Alma mater | Cabrini High School, Loyola University New Orleans |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor, Bilingual Reporter |
| Net worth | $1 million – $3 million (estimated) |
Who is Lucy Bustamante?
Lucy Bustamante is a multi-Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist who was born and raised in New Orleans.
She currently serves as the morning news anchor for FOX 8 (WVUE) in her hometown, bringing both English and Spanish-language news coverage to the community.
Her career spans more than 20 years in broadcast journalism, with experience working for major networks including NBC10 Philadelphia, Telemundo62, WVEC Virginia Beach, and WWL Louisiana.
Lucy is recognized for her in-depth investigative reporting, particularly stories related to veterans’ healthcare issues, mental health, and community recovery.
As a military spouse and mother of four children, Lucy has become a prominent voice for military families.
She has worked with the Naval Officers Spouses Association and the NBC Universal Veterans network to support and advocate for those who serve.
How old is Lucy Bustamante? Age and birthday
Lucy Bustamante is 45 years old as of 2026. She was born on September 26, 1980, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her zodiac sign is Libra, which represents balance and diplomacy.
Lucy celebrated her 45th birthday on September 26, 2025, with messages from her FOX 8 colleagues and family members. She shares her birthday month with many of her fellow journalists in the broadcast industry.
Lucy Bustamante’s early life and family background
Lucy Bustamante was born into a Cuban-American household in New Orleans. Her father fled Cuba as a political refugee in 1969, while her mother is from Spain.
The family built a new life in New Orleans after arriving in the United States during the Cuban migration of 1969.
Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household, Lucy became fluent in both English and Spanish from an early age.
Her parents only spoke Spanish at home, which helped her maintain strong connections to her Cuban heritage. She also has a brother and sister who arrived from Cuba at ages 9 and 4.
Her Cuban culture remains strong in her life today. She married a Miami-born Cuban, continuing her family’s traditions and values of resilience, service, and perseverance.
Lucy Bustamante’s education
Lucy attended Cabrini High School in New Orleans, where her passion for journalism first emerged. As a teenager, she was selected to participate in “Our Generation,” a teen television program on WWL-TV. This early exposure to broadcast journalism shaped her career path.
She also spent time volunteering at the Cabrini Convent for retired nuns in Radnor during her high school years, demonstrating her commitment to community service from a young age.
After graduating from Cabrini High School, Lucy enrolled at Loyola University New Orleans. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a focus on journalism. Her time at Loyola prepared her for the demanding world of broadcast news and investigative reporting.
In May 2023, Lucy was inducted into The Den of Distinction at Loyola University, recognizing her outstanding achievements in journalism and her contributions to the field.
Career
Early career beginnings
Lucy Bustamante launched her career in television working behind the scenes. She started as an intern, production assistant, and associate producer, learning every aspect of broadcast journalism from the ground up.
Her first on-air opportunity came at WWL-TV (Channel 4) in New Orleans, where she had participated in the teen program during high school. She joined the station as a reporter and quickly gained recognition for her storytelling abilities and bilingual skills.
WWL Louisiana (2004-2010)
Lucy worked at WWL Louisiana for six years, from 2004 to 2010. She started as a reporter covering breaking news and later became the evening news anchor in 2006.
During her time at WWL, she covered Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which became one of the defining moments of her early career.
Her exceptional coverage of Hurricane Katrina earned her a Peabody Award, one of the most prestigious honors in broadcast journalism. She also received an Edward R. Murrow Award for breaking news coverage in 2004.
WVEC Virginia Beach (2010-2018)
When her husband Richard, a Navy SEAL, was stationed in Virginia Beach, Lucy relocated with her family. She joined WVEC-TV (13News Now), the ABC affiliate in Norfolk, Virginia, as a news anchor and reporter.
Lucy spent eight years at WVEC, from 2010 to 2018, anchoring the 5 p.m. newscast. During this period, she continued to excel in journalism, earning three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards in 2011 for her documentary work on the Affordable Care Act in Virginia.
She also received an Associated Press Award for Best Anchor in 2015, recognizing her skill and professionalism on camera.
Lucy’s work at WVEC focused on military family issues, healthcare, and community stories that resonated with Hampton Roads viewers.
NBC10 Philadelphia and Telemundo62 (2018-2024)
In 2018, Lucy and her family moved to Philadelphia when her husband was admitted to the Wharton MBA program at the University of Pennsylvania.
She joined NBC10 Philadelphia and Telemundo62 as a morning news anchor and bilingual journalist.
For six years, Lucy anchored the morning news from 4:00 am to 5:30 am on NBC10 and served as the breaking news anchor for Telemundo62.
She reported stories in both English and Spanish, covering issues that impacted diverse communities across the Philadelphia region.
Her work in Philadelphia earned her four Emmy Awards and one Telly Award. She became the co-founding President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, promoting Latino representation in media.
Lucy also contributed to NBC News national reporting, focusing on veterans’ issues, military families, and mental health.
She worked closely with the NBC Universal Veterans network to highlight stories that mattered to those who served.
Return to New Orleans – FOX 8 (2024-Present)
In October 2024, Lucy returned to her hometown of New Orleans to join FOX 8 (WVUE) as the morning news anchor. Her homecoming was celebrated by the New Orleans community, which had followed her career across the country.
Lucy now anchors the FOX 8 Morning Edition, bringing her extensive national journalism experience back to local storytelling. She joined the top-rated morning program and continues to deliver engaging news coverage that connects with viewers.
In 2024, Lucy won the National Investigative Award from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for her groundbreaking investigation into veterans’ healthcare issues. This recognition came shortly before her return to New Orleans.
What is Lucy Bustamante’s net worth?
As of 2026, Lucy Bustamante’s net worth is estimated at between $1 million and $3 million. She has built this fortune through her successful 20-year career in broadcast journalism.
Her primary sources of income include her anchor salary at FOX 8 New Orleans, previous positions at NBC10 Philadelphia, WVEC Virginia Beach, and WWL Louisiana. News anchors at major market stations like FOX 8 in New Orleans typically earn between $75,000 and $150,000 annually.
Lucy has also earned income from awards, speaking engagements, and journalism conferences. She has been featured at events including the New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane University and the Life Resources Bottom Line Luncheon in 2025.
Her net worth reflects steady career growth in competitive media markets across major American cities. Lucy’s bilingual abilities and award-winning journalism have made her a valuable asset to every news organization she has worked for.
Is Lucy Bustamante married? Husband and relationship status
Lucy Bustamante is married to Richard Rasco, a former Navy SEAL and Naval Officer. Richard served 14 years in the United States Navy, including time as a SEAL Squadron Executive Officer.
The couple met and married while Lucy was working in New Orleans. Richard is also from a Cuban-American background, born in Miami. Their shared heritage and values have been central to their relationship.
Richard graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2004, and his military career shaped the family’s movements across the country.
After retiring from the Navy, Richard attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, earning his MBA.
Lucy describes herself as a proud Navy spouse and has been vocal about the challenges and rewards of military life.
She has used her platform as a journalist to tell stories about military families, veterans’ healthcare, and the sacrifices made by those who serve.
The couple’s relationship has been marked by the demands of military service, with multiple relocations following Richard’s Navy assignments. Despite these challenges, they have maintained a strong marriage while raising their four children.
Lucy Bustamante’s children
Lucy Bustamante and her husband Richard have four children. Their oldest are twin boys who are 16 years old as of 2026.
They also have a daughter who is 13 years old and a youngest son, Nicolas, who turned 10 years old in April 2025.
The children were young when the family moved to Philadelphia in 2018. At that time, the twins were six years old, their daughter was three, and their youngest son was one year old.
Lucy has been open about the joys and challenges of raising four kids while maintaining her demanding career as a morning news anchor.
The family has lived in multiple cities due to Richard’s military service, including New Orleans, Virginia Beach, and Philadelphia. In 2024, they returned to New Orleans, allowing the children to experience Lucy’s hometown.
Lucy frequently shares glimpses of her family life on social media, balancing her role as a mother with her journalism career.
She has spoken about how her children shaped her perspective on reporting, particularly stories related to education, family issues, and community safety.
Lucy Bustamante’s weight loss journey
Lucy Bustamante has undergone a notable weight loss transformation, losing approximately 45 pounds according to various reports.
Her weight loss journey has attracted attention from viewers and fans who noticed her changing appearance on television.
Bustamante has been open about focusing on healthier lifestyle choices, including better nutrition and regular exercise.
She has shared that her transformation was achieved through sustainable methods rather than extreme diets or surgery.
Friends and colleagues have supported Lucy throughout her journey, celebrating her dedication to health and wellness.
The weight loss has been attributed to eating whole, unprocessed foods, reducing portion sizes, and staying physically active.
While Lucy has not made her weight loss journey a central part of her public persona, viewers have noticed and commented positively on her transformation. She has used her platform to inspire others to make healthy choices.
Lucy Bustamante’s awards and recognition
Lucy Bustamante has received numerous prestigious awards throughout her journalism career:
Emmy Awards: Six Emmy Awards recognizing excellence in television journalism
Edward R. Murrow Awards: Four regional Murrow Awards, including three for her 2011 documentary work on the Affordable Care Act and one for breaking news coverage in 2004
Peabody Award: One Peabody Award for WWL Louisiana’s coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005
Telly Award: One Telly Award for excellence in television broadcasting
NABJ National Investigative Award: 2024 National Investigative Award from the National Association of Black Journalists for groundbreaking investigation into veterans’ healthcare issues
Associated Press Awards: Multiple AP awards for her work as an anchor, including Best Anchor in 2015
These awards reflect Lucy’s commitment to quality journalism, investigative reporting, and stories that make a difference in communities. Her bilingual reporting has also broken barriers for Latino representation in mainstream American media.
Social media presence
As of February 2026, Lucy Bustamante maintains an active presence on social media platforms. Her Instagram account @lucy_bustamante_news has over 7,600 followers. She uses the platform to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of her work at FOX 8, family moments, and community engagement.
Lucy’s Instagram bio describes her as “6xEmmy.4xMurrow.Telly.AnchorJourno” working for Gray Media and FOX 8 New Orleans. She also mentions her previous work with NBC News and Telemundo.
Her social media content focuses on journalism work, military spouse advocacy, Cuban-American heritage, and motherhood. She shares updates about news stories she is covering, events she attends, and causes she supports.
Lucy also maintains a professional presence on LinkedIn, where she connects with fellow journalists and media professionals. Her X (formerly Twitter) account is used primarily for breaking news updates and professional communications.
Fast facts about Lucy Bustamante
- Lucy was selected to participate in a teen television program at WWL-TV while still in high school, sparking her journalism career.
- She is fluent in both English and Spanish, having grown up in a Spanish-speaking Cuban-American household.
- Lucy volunteered at the Cabrini Convent for retired nuns in Radnor during her teenage years.
- She covered Hurricane Katrina in 2005, earning a prestigious Peabody Award for the coverage.
- Lucy is a proud military spouse, having followed her Navy SEAL husband to multiple duty stations.
- She co-founded the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
- Lucy serves on the Board of Directors for Military Veterans in Journalism (MVJ), supporting military veterans pursuing journalism careers.
- She has reported extensively on veterans’ healthcare issues, earning the 2024 NABJ National Investigative Award.
- Lucy was inducted into The Den of Distinction at Loyola University New Orleans in May 2023.
- She wakes up at 1:50 am every weekday morning to anchor the FOX 8 Morning Edition.
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Wrapping up
Lucy Bustamante represents the best of American broadcast journalism. Her journey from a Cuban-American household in New Orleans to becoming a six-time Emmy Award winner demonstrates dedication, talent, and resilience.
As a bilingual journalist, military spouse, and mother of four, Lucy continues to break barriers and tell stories that matter to diverse communities.
Her return to New Orleans in 2024 marked a full-circle moment for a hometown hero who has made her mark on journalism across America.
References
- FOX 8 WVUE. Lucy Bustamante – FOX 8
- NBC10 Philadelphia. Lucy Bustamante
- Tulane University. Lucy Bustamante | The New Orleans Book Festival at Tulane
- VIVA NOLA Magazine. New Orleans Loves Lucy!
- Crescent City Sports. Lucy Bustamante to speak Wednesday at Life Resources Bottom Line Luncheon
- NOLA.com. NBC anchor Lucy Bustamante returns home to New Orleans
- Military Veterans in Journalism. MVJ Welcomes NBC10 & Telemundo62 Anchor Lucy Bustamante to Board of Directors
- The Peabody Awards. WWL: Coverage of Hurricane Katrina
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