Legendary ABC Radio Host James Valentine Passes Away at 64 Following Cancer Battle

James Valentine, the cherished voice behind Australia's ABC Afternoons programme in Sydney for over two decades, has died at the age of 64, two years after receiving an oesophageal cancer diagnosis.

Valentine became a household name across Sydney's airwaves through his extensive tenure hosting the national broadcaster's flagship afternoon radio show. Beyond his broadcasting career, he was also an accomplished saxophonist who performed with several bands.

Treatment and Return to Air

Following his oesophageal cancer diagnosis in 2024, Valentine took leave to undergo treatment. He made a brief return to broadcasting last year before making the decision to retire in February. According to his family's statement, he ultimately chose Voluntary Assisted Dying and "died 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," the family statement read. "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."

Musical Career and Legacy

Outside the radio studio, Valentine demonstrated significant musical talent, playing saxophone in numerous ensembles including The Models, a band that achieved two number-one chart positions and embarked on international tours across the United States and Europe.

Tributes Pour In

Valentine is survived by his wife and two children. ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks honoured him as a "trusted companion... for generations of our Sydney audience" who brought "warmth, wit and humanity to radio."

Prominent figures across Australian media and government offered their condolences:

• ABC presenter Robbie Buck described him as "joyous, irrepressible and unbelievably sharp"
• Former ABC colleague Richard Glover noted Valentine had "lifted the spirit of the city every day for 25 years"
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterised him as "someone who was always worth listening to"

Recent Honours

Governor-General Sam Mostyn revealed that Valentine had recently been recommended for and awarded the Member of the Order (AM) in recognition of his contributions to broadcasting, music, and arts advocacy. The honour was presented to his wife and children last Saturday.

"His ideas were, as they were on radio, just lovely, gentle, sensible, really important things about how community comes together and how we all have a role to play," Mostyn told ABC radio.