James Valentine, the much-loved ABC radio presenter, has died at the age of 64, three months after retiring from the public broadcaster. His family confirmed that he used voluntary assisted dying after a battle with oesophageal cancer.
Valentine was a fixture on ABC radio for over 25 years, hosting the Afternoons program in Sydney. He began his broadcasting career on ABC TV in 1987 after a decade as a saxophonist in bands including the Models. In 2024, he revealed live on air that he had oesophageal cancer and was taking time off for surgery. He returned to work but left again in June when new tumours were discovered.
In a statement, Valentine's family said: 'James passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, who adored him. 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.' His children, Ruby and Roy, paid tribute on ABC Radio Sydney, recalling his kindness and compassion.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Valentine as 'such a voice and therefore a figure in Sydney', while Governor-General Sam Mostyn revealed that Valentine had been recommended for a Member of the Order of Australia award just a week before his death. ABC managing director Hugh Marks called him a 'trusted companion' for generations of listeners.
