Raleigh, N.C. — After 32 years of waking up at 3:20 a.m. for work each morning, Mix 101.5's Bill Jordan announced Tuesday that he is retiring March 15.

"I’ve been really blessed to be able to do what I truly love, and that is playing on the radio," he told WRAL-FM listeners, one of whom called in crying after hearing the news. "By far, this has been the most thrilling and meaningful part of my professional journey, but ... I am just tired. I am tired. I’ve had to admit that."

Slideshow     Bill Jordan through the years

Jordan has spent nearly 40 years in radio and worked at three other stations before joining Capitol Broadcasting Company. He has hosted the "Bill & Lynda in the Morning" show with Lynda Loveland since January 2009 and previously hosted with Sherri Logan.

"My wife, Marianne, and I have talked about it long and hard, and we’ve decided that hanging up the headphones is a good choice and the best choice to make right now," he said. "(I'm) looking forward to the next chapter in my life, and I really don’t know quite what that’s going to be yet. I do have some things I’m considering."

Calling his listeners the best in the world, Jordan thanked them for their support over the years.

"Folks have just been very kind and very generous," he said. "And, my gosh, the things we’ve gotten to do – or at least I’ve gotten to do – because of this job. It’s just been incredible."