Indianapolis is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished television personalities and educators following the passing of Janei “Janie” Woods Hodge, whose decades-long career inspired generations of Hoosier children through music, education, and broadcasting. Hodge passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that spans classrooms, television studios, and communities across Indiana.
For more than two decades, Janie Hodge was a familiar and comforting presence in homes throughout the state as the co-host of WTTV’s beloved children’s program, “Popeye and Janie.” Airing on Channel 4 from 1963 to 1986, the show became a treasured part of childhood for countless Hoosiers, blending entertainment with music, learning, and positive life lessons.
News of Hodge’s passing was announced in an obituary released Tuesday, describing her as a lifelong educator, musician, and television pioneer whose dedication to enriching the lives of others never wavered.
“A lifelong educator, musician, and television pioneer, Janie dedicated her life to enriching the lives of others through music, education, and community service,” the obituary stated.
Born with a passion for music and teaching, Hodge laid the foundation for her remarkable career through education. She graduated from Shortridge High School in 1951 before earning an undergraduate degree in music from Indiana University. She later completed her Master’s degree at Butler University in 1958, further preparing herself for a lifetime devoted to inspiring young minds.
Before becoming a television icon, Hodge began her professional career teaching music for Indianapolis Public Schools. Her love of education eventually found a larger audience when she brought her enthusiasm for music and learning to television.
When “Popeye and Janie” debuted in August 1963, few could have predicted the lasting impact it would have on Indiana families. The program quickly became one of the region’s most popular children’s shows, offering a welcoming space where education, creativity, and fun came together.
The show’s popularity was extraordinary. Children eagerly waited months for the opportunity to appear alongside Janie on television, creating memories that many would continue to cherish decades later. For countless Hoosiers, appearing on “Popeye and Janie” became a defining childhood experience, while those watching from home found inspiration in Hodge’s warmth, encouragement, and genuine care for young viewers.
Although the beloved program concluded its historic run in 1986, Hodge’s commitment to education remained as strong as ever. She returned to Indianapolis Public Schools, where she continued teaching music until her retirement in 1998, once again dedicating herself to helping children discover confidence and creativity through music.
Her influence extended far beyond the classroom and television studio. Throughout her life, Hodge remained actively involved in community service, believing that education and the arts had the power to strengthen lives and bring people together.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to broadcasting, Hodge was inducted into the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2015, an honor celebrating her lasting impact on Indiana television and the generations of children whose lives she helped shape.
Following news of her passing, tributes have poured in from former students, viewers, fellow broadcasters, educators, and community leaders. Many have shared heartfelt memories of watching “Popeye and Janie,” recalling how Hodge’s kindness, musical talent, and passion for teaching made her a beloved part of their childhood.
For generations of Hoosiers, Janie Hodge represented more than a television personality. She was a trusted educator, a gifted musician, and a compassionate mentor whose influence extended across decades. Her ability to combine entertainment with meaningful lessons left an enduring mark on Indiana’s cultural and educational landscape.
As Indianapolis reflects on her remarkable life, family, friends, colleagues, and the countless people she inspired are celebrating a legacy built on service, education, and a genuine love for helping others. Though her passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indiana broadcasting history, Janie Woods Hodge’s contributions will continue to be remembered for generations to come.
Her legacy lives on through the students she taught, the families she entertained, and the enduring memories created by one of Indiana’s most beloved television pioneers.
