BBC Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker struggled with a chronic lung disease before his death at the age of 79 as he was forced to retire from his career after 58 years back in October
Radio legend Johnnie Walker struggled with lung disease before his death aged 79.
The BBC radio star was forced to step down from the broadcaster after 58 years in October due to his ill health. He was known for his decades-long work on BBC Radio 2 and for his Sounds Of The 70s and the Rock Show programmes. Johnnie had been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
His death was announced on air by his friend and colleague, BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds of the 70s in November. Just a few months ago, Johnnie shared the news of his exit. Announcing his decision, he said: “Now, that leads me to be making a very sad announcement.
“The struggles I’ve had with doing the show and trying to sort of keep up a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 has been getting more and more difficult, hence my little jokes about Puffing Billy. So I’ve had to make the decision that I need to bring my career to an end after 58 years.”
Johnnie had worked for the BBC since 1969. His first health scare came in 2003 when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the colon. The radio star suffered a heart attack in 2019 and had to undergo a triple heart bypass. A year later, he was diagnosed with IPF – a condition where inflation of the lungs means breathing becomes difficult.
His health meant he presented his radio shows from his home in Dorset. Johnnie’s wife Tiggy provided round-the-clock care for him and opened up about how the diagnosis had impacted them earlier this year. Speaking during Carers Week, Tiggy heartbreakingly said: “I’m so tired. Sometimes I find it hard to go on.”
Medical consultants previously told the couple that Johnnie should “prepare to go at any moment”. The couple had been forced to sleep in separate rooms due to his health needs and the fact he had to sleep with an oxygen mask. His wife, Tiggy, paid tribute following the news of Johnnie’s death as she said: “I couldn’t be more proud of Johnnie – how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease.
“He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish. And if I may say – what a day to go. He’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who is now in a place of peace.”
Johnnie began his radio career in 1966 on offshore pirate station, Swinging Radio England. He then moved on to Radio Caroline, where he became a household name hosting the hugely popular night-time show. In 1969, he joined BBC Radio 1 and remained there until 1976. He then moved to San Francisco, before returning to the UK in the 80s. He left Radio 1 for good in 1995 and three years later he was offered his own weekly show on Radio 2.
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