BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram on Tuesday after the death of her father Martin. She described him as an "absolute legend" in an emotional post.
Jo, 60, posted a collection of photographs and video clips spanning the years, alongside the caption: "My lovely Dad died today." She wrote: "He was the kindest man, who lived solely to make others happy. He was supremely selfless and loved nothing more than caring for others and making people laugh. I've had so many messages today saying that 'Martin was a character' and that sums him up completely. Everyone knew Martin Whiley - in the Pub, in his Village and at the school gates when he picked up my children (he was the BEST Manny EVER long before they became trendy)."
Family and Music
The DJ, who shares daughters India, 34, and Coco, 17, as well as sons Jude, 27, and Cassius, 25, with husband Steve Morton, credited Martin for giving her a "love of music". She added: "He used to walk around the building site where he worked as an electrician with a huge ghetto blaster - the OG DJ and his passion for music never went away. His love for Elbow, Coldplay and Dido was unrivaled."
Martin had a difficult childhood, and it was only upon meeting Jo's mother Christine that he "finally got to experience love". Jo shared: "His childhood was as sad as it gets. When he was a boy he had TB and was sent alone to a sanitarium in London for 2 years which is why we're all Spurs fans! From a young age he had no parents and was brought up by a family friend, his beloved Pap. Meeting my Mum meant that Dad got a family of his own and finally got to experience love. Knowing how it felt not to be cared for, he devoted his life to caring for others."
Tribute to a Father
The rumoured Celebrity Bake Off contestant paid tribute to Martin for giving her and her sister Frances, who has cri du chat syndrome, a childhood filled with joy. Jo wrote: "Being the father of someone with Learning Disabilities in the 70's meant that life has had its challenges but Dad has been such a force for good in the LD world simply by embracing + loving everyone with a difference. So many great singalongs at the Rockin' Roadrunner with Dad on the mic."
She added: "He may have had the saddest childhood but he triumphed by giving me, Frances, and his grandchildren the happiest childhoods anyone could have dreamt of." Jo concluded: "He was the greatest Dad and he was everybody's favourite Grandad, but especially to India, Jude, Cass and Coco who adored him. Ps. From Frances - thanks for the endless stories, night after night, all night long. We're going to miss you so very much. You absolute legend xx."
Famous friends offered condolences. Singer Jason Donovan wrote: "Jo and family. Sending so much love to you all! What wonderful words and tribute to your Dad. Donovan's." Magic Radio presenter Gaby Roslin wrote: "So so much love to you Jo and your whole family. What a beautiful tribute. He'll be in your hearts forever. What a special man he sounded and his love will live on." TV presenter Davina McCall added: "Oh Jo x sending you all love x."
