Opinion

Chita Johnson has a brand new name

Chita and Lane Craft Chita and Lane Craft Photo: Mark Mulligan, Staff Photo: Mark Mulligan, Staff Image 1 of / 50 Caption Close Chita Johnson has a brand new name 1 / 50 Back to Gallery

Channel 11's sunshiny weathercaster Chita did something unusual after marrying landsman and longhorn rancher Lane Craft.

She took his last name professionally. She's now Chita Craft on TV.

Many female newscasters stick with their maiden name on the air after they get married. Main reason: Their single name has built-up value. That's how audiences know them.

Last year, Dave Ward, who has reported on Halley's Comet five times at Channel 13, suddenly (and without permission) decided to call himself "David Ward" on the air. The station said stop doing that. You've been "Dave Ward" since we hired you in 1966 and you're going to stay "Dave Ward."

"David Ward" lasted less than a week.

For TV newswomen, changing their last names after each marriage and divorce might be confusing to viewers. It would be like trying to explain that tattoo of your former spouse's name to your new spouse. Top of my head, I can't think of one Houston TV newswoman who uses her married name on the air.

Except for Chita Craft.

"My mom, grandma … everyone in my family changes their name when they get married," she said. Her mother and grandmother are also named Chita. "I love my husband and respect him so much that I was honored to take his last name.

"Everybody at the station was really supportive. They even made a really cute promo that shows my new last name."

So congratulations, Mrs. Craft.

Just no tattoos, OK?