Legendary radio and television presenter James Valentine has died aged 64 through voluntary assisted dying after a cancer diagnosis.
Two years ago, Valentine was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. He took leave from his role at ABC.
The presenter returned to the airwaves before stepping back after the discovery of tumours in his omentum.
“James passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, who adored him,” Valentine’s family said in a statement.
“Throughout his illness, James did it his way, which lasted all the way until the end when he made the choice to do Voluntary Assisted Dying.”
“Both he and his family are grateful he was given the option to go out on his own terms. He was calm, dignified as always and somehow still making us laugh.”
The broadcaster was officially farewelled in February this year, where he thanked his audience for years of support.
“I could ask callers to make stuff up, to invent stories, to go with any sort of fanciful notion of the city that we had going on,” Valentine said.
“What a huge buzz of enjoyment I got when you called in, in response to something I’d suggest.”
ABC managing director Hugh Marks said Valentine was a “trusted companion”.
“He has been a trusted companion for so many people, part of the rhythm of everyday life for generations of our Sydney audience,” Marks said.
“James brought warmth, wit, and humanity to radio as an exemplar of radio craft. His style was never about confrontation or noise — it was always about connection.”
More to come…
https://thewest.com.au/news/australia/james-valentine-death-radio-television-presenter-64-dies-via-voluntary-assisted-dying-after-diagnosis-c-22179976
