Radio icon James Valentine passes away at 64 | 9 News Australia
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On radio he would listen, then make you think and usually laugh out loud.
On radio he would listen, then make you think and usually laugh out loud.
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ABC radio presenter James Valentine was a unique talent, warm, wacky and witty.
ABC radio presenter James Valentine was a unique talent, warm, wacky and witty.
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But now his two-year fight against cancer is over. The father of two going out his way.
But now his two-year fight against cancer is over. The father of two going out his way.
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You're on ABC Radio Sydney. I'm James Valentine. Very good to be with you here this afternoon.
You're on ABC Radio Sydney. I'm James Valentine. Very good to be with you here this afternoon.
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Tuning into James Valentine in the afternoon lull.
Tuning into James Valentine in the afternoon lull.
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the monotony of an ordinary day suddenly became interesting through his blend of talkback.
the monotony of an ordinary day suddenly became interesting through his blend of talkback.
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Ian, as Vegemite attempts to reinvent itself, what do you think they should do?
Ian, as Vegemite attempts to reinvent itself, what do you think they should do?
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He was one of a kind, clever and witty, making everyone feel heard.
He was one of a kind, clever and witty, making everyone feel heard.
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People walk up to me and just start talking like they're my best friend. They are my best friend. They've known me for 15 years or they've been listening for a decade. They've been listening for the whole lot.
People walk up to me and just start talking like they're my best friend. They are my best friend. They've known me for 15 years or they've been listening for a decade. They've been listening for the whole lot.
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But today those friends and James' family are in mourning. We have some very sad news to share with you.
But today those friends and James' family are in mourning. We have some very sad news to share with you.
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James Valentine has died. He was 64. And the switchboard lit up. We're going to miss him so much.
James Valentine has died. He was 64. And the switchboard lit up. We're going to miss him so much.
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He's just remarkable. Sad news to be sharing this morning, Prime Minister.
He's just remarkable. Sad news to be sharing this morning, Prime Minister.
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It is very sad news, Hamish. James Valentine was a part of our lives.
It is very sad news, Hamish. James Valentine was a part of our lives.
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And not just on radio, a musician. In the 80s, he was the sax player in the pop group The Models.
And not just on radio, a musician. In the 80s, he was the sax player in the pop group The Models.
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He dabbled in TV at the ABC. Welcome to the afternoon show. Before talkback came calling.
He dabbled in TV at the ABC. Welcome to the afternoon show. Before talkback came calling.
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Questions or queries about the beast in your life. And the Minns family avid fans.
Questions or queries about the beast in your life. And the Minns family avid fans.
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He had a segment on his program called This Is What I Live With where husbands complain about wives and wives complain about husbands.
He had a segment on his program called This Is What I Live With where husbands complain about wives and wives complain about husbands.
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and Anna and I were on that program. He was home for the next 25 years.
and Anna and I were on that program. He was home for the next 25 years.
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I don't think there's anybody I can think of who brought more joy to more people than James Valentine.
I don't think there's anybody I can think of who brought more joy to more people than James Valentine.
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He lifted the spirits of the city every day.
He lifted the spirits of the city every day.
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But in March 2024, James revealed he was battling esophageal cancer.
But in March 2024, James revealed he was battling esophageal cancer.
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After treatment, he was back on air that same year. Then, in 2025, more heartbreak.
After treatment, he was back on air that same year. Then, in 2025, more heartbreak.
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Unfortunately, I have cancer again. it's come back. And there was no coming back.
Unfortunately, I have cancer again. it's come back. And there was no coming back.
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In his final days, the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, awarded him an Order of Australia.
In his final days, the Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, awarded him an Order of Australia.
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In the end, James Valentine did it his way, using voluntary assisted dying, surrounded by his family.
In the end, James Valentine did it his way, using voluntary assisted dying, surrounded by his family.
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And thank you to you for listening and thank you for letting me do it. Goodbye.
And thank you to you for listening and thank you for letting me do it. Goodbye.
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Damien Ryan, Nine News.
Damien Ryan, Nine News.