James Valentine’s Family Releases Statement After His Passing: A Peaceful End on His Own Terms

Veteran ABC radio presenter James Valentine has died at the age of 64, two years after being diagnosed with cancer.

Valentine’s family confirmed he chose voluntary assisted dying at home, passing peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

In a statement, his 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. 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.”

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. 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.

Family statement

Valentine hosted radio and television shows across the ABC for more than three decades, most notably presenting the Afternoons radio show on ABC Radio Sydney for over 20 years.

He retired from 702 ABC Sydney in February 2026 after 25 years with the station, citing the need to focus on his cancer treatment.

Valentine first revealed he had oesophageal cancer in March 2024, taking a leave of absence to undergo treatment. While he returned to Afternoons last year, he later exited the program in June 2025 after scans showed tumours in his omentum.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne, and his children, Ruby and Roy.

The ABC said details of memorial arrangements and opportunities to honour him would be shared in the coming days.

ABC managing director Hugh Marks paid tribute to Valentine’s impact, stating: “For decades, James Valentine has been more than a presenter – he has been a trusted companion for so many people, part of the rhythm of everyday life for generations of our Sydney audience.”