Beloved musician, author and ABC Sydney radio presenter James Valentine has sadly passed away aged 64 following a two-year battle with cancer.
The broadcaster, known for hosting a variety of radio and TV shows across the ABC for 30 years, had announced in March 2024 that he had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. He then revealed in June 2025 that he had tumours in his omentum, located in the abdominal cavity, and announced his retirement from radio in February 2026 to focus on his cancer treatment.
Valentine’s family released a statement on Thursday morning confirming his death using voluntary assisted dying at home.
“James passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, who adored him,” they said. “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 statement continued: “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.”
Valentine’s colleagues and fans have since shared tributes, with ABC managing director Hugh Marks describing him as “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,” he said in a statement. “James brought warmth, wit, and humanity to radio as an exemplar of radio craft. His style was never about confrontation or noise — it was always about connection.”
Others described his passing as a “sad loss for Australian broadcasting” and said he “gave joy and happiness to so many”.
“I don’t think I’ve met anyone who had a bad word to say about James. He was such a lovely person and the world is a lesser place for his passing,” one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Before he became a radio and TV presenter, Valentine was a professional saxophonist and played with iconic Australian bands in the 1980s, like Models, Absent Friends, and Jo Jo Zep.
He also narrated Come Dine with Me Australia from 2010 to 2014 and wrote a series of books for teenage boys, including the sci-fi series JumpMan.
Valentine is survived by his wife Joanne and his children Ruby and Roy.
Rest in peace, James Valentine.
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