James Valentine, a cherished radio presenter, musician and media personality, has died at the age of 64 after a prolonged battle with cancer, his family and the ABC confirmed. Valentine was known for making talk radio feel effortless engaging, warm and creative and his loss has triggered an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, listeners and Australian media personalities.

He passed away peacefully at home on 22 April 2026, choosing voluntary assisted dying after confronting illness for nearly two years.

Who Was James Valentine? A Life Behind the Mic

James Matthew Valentine was born on 12 September 1961 in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia. He started his career as a musician and saxophonist, playing with influential Australian bands such as Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons, Models and Absent Friends before transitioning into broadcasting.

Valentine became a beloved fixture at ABC Radio Sydney, hosting the Afternoons program for more than two decades and briefly leading Breakfast shows. His style was defined by warmth, wit and a genuine connection with listeners making everyday life, humour and human stories feel fascinating on air.

Beyond radio, Valentine appeared on television, wrote books, reviewed movies, and brought his creative spirit to every medium he touched.

James Valentine’s Fight with Cancer

Valentine publicly shared his cancer diagnosis in March 2024, revealing he had oesophageal cancer and later further tumours in his omentum a layer of tissue in the body. He temporarily stepped away from broadcasting for treatment, briefly returned to air in 2024, then retired in February 2026 to focus on his health and family.

Throughout his illness, Valentine maintained his trademark humour and honesty, even discussing his condition with listeners on air. He chose voluntary assisted dying at home, surrounded by loved ones.

James Valentine’s Career and Legacy

Valentine’s career spanned four decades and multiple mediums:

  • 🎙️ Host of ABC Radio Sydney’s Afternoons one of the city’s most listened‑to talk programs.
  • 📻 Brief Breakfast program host, bringing his unique voice to morning audiences.
  • 🎷 Accomplished musician his saxophone featured in major Australian acts.
  • 📺 Television presenter and writer, known for thoughtful and engaging content.

Listeners appreciated his ability to make radio feel personal and inclusive not confrontational, not divisive, but deeply human. His ABC colleagues described him as someone who elevated radio craft with warmth, wit and humanity.

James Valentine’s Family and Personal Life

James Valentine is survived by his wife, Joanne Corrigan, and their two children, Ruby and Roy, who were by his side at home in his final days. Family and friends remember him not just as a broadcaster but as a kind, generous and compassionate presence.

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Public Reaction and Tributes

Tributes have flowed from colleagues, listeners and public figures across Australia:

  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalled Valentine as a voice “part of our lives,” particularly for Sydney audiences.
  • ABC leadership praised his unique ability to connect with people and make profound human conversation feel natural.

His influence on radio broadcasting and the affectionate bond he built with listeners ensures he will be remembered for years to come.