ABC star James Valentine has died at home aged 64 using voluntary assisted dying following a two-year cancer battle.

‘James passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, who adored him,’ Valentine’s family said in a statement.

‘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.’

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

Valentine, who hosted ABC radio and television shows for almost four decades, announced in March 2024 that he had oesophageal cancer and took leave from the broadcaster to receive treatment.

He later returned to 702 ABC but been off air since June last year after new tumours were discovered in his abdomen.

Valentine announced his retirement in February to focus on ongoing treatment.

ABC star James Valentine has died by euthanasia at the age of 64 following a cancer battle

The long-time ABC presenter died peacefully at home surrounded by his family

‘I could ask callers to make stuff up, to invent stories, to go with any sort of fanciful notion of the city that we had going on,’ Valentine said.

‘What a huge buzz of enjoyment I got when you called in, in response to something I’d suggest.’

He has been hailed by the national broadcaster 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,’ ABC managing director Hugh Marks said.

‘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.’

Valentine’s death comes just days after he was presented with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Governor‑General Sam Mostyn recently approved the appointment and presented it to Valentine’s children last weekend so they could give it to him privately.

‘We were able to work very, very quickly. I knew how sick James was, and working with his family, we were able to have the medal struck and engraved with his name,’ she told ABC Radio.

James Valentine was survived by his with Joanne (pictured together) and their two children

James Valentine was with the national broadcaster for almost four decades

‘I was able to present it to Ruby and Roy at Admiralty House on Saturday, so it could be given to James quietly and privately, with his family, so that he knew the community in Australia regarded him as someone who truly belonged on the honours roll.’

Born in Ballarat, Valentine’s career began as a jazz musician.

He was saxophonist for a number of Aussie bands in the 1980s, including Models, Jo Jo Zep and Absent Friends, along with singer Wendy Matthews.

His media career began as the afternoon cartoons presenter on the ABC.

Valentine was best known for presenting the Afternoons show on ABC Radio Sydney for more than 20 years.

When he was first diagnosed in 2024, doctors gave him the choice at the time between major surgery to remove his oesophagus, or removal of only the tumour – Valentine chose the latter.

He returned to the station later that year until last June when the new tumours were discovered.

‘There may be debate as to whether the full removal might have prevented this, but given that the initial tumour may have been there for a while, undetected and asymptomatic, there’s every chance that cancer cells have been out in my body for some time, looking for a place to call home, and the full surgery would not have prevented their spread,’ he wrote at the time.

Valentine’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

James Valentine (right) is pictured at a television event in 2006 with Australian music producer Amanda Pelman

The radio icon’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes

‘He was a voice – and therefore a figure – in Sydney, and someone who was always worth listening to,’ he said.

‘He was interesting, he was so full of life, but he’d had a very difficult recent period.

‘It’s been interesting hearing from listeners this morning about just how deeply this news has touched so many people. That speaks to the medium, but it also speaks to the individual.

‘He had a particular kind of connection with people. His strength of character came through. He was warm and generous.

‘I met him a few times, but I spoke to him much more over the phone than face to face, yet I felt like I knew him. He had a sense of decency that shone through, even through the radio.’

NSW Premier Chris Mins added: ‘He had a kind of quirky unique way of talking with people in Sydney and he was both an interested and interesting person which is unique. He will be hugely missed.’

Federal minister Tanya Plibersek added: ‘Thank you for filling our airwaves with life and humour for so many years. Your stories brought people together, and your voice was a source of calm and decency that will be deeply missed.’

Former ABC colleagues also paid tribute, including veteran broadcaster Richard Glover.

Certainly for me, it was the greatest professional, lucky stroke of my career that I got to meet him,’ he said.

‘He brought joy to me and fun to me every single day for 26 years.

‘He lifted the spirit of the city every day for 25 years.’

Plans for a public memorial will be announced in the coming days.

WHAT IS VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING

Voluntary assisted dying is when you get medical assistance to end your life

This might be because you have a serious medical condition that causes unbearable suffering, and you are only expected to live for a short time.

Currently, VAD is available in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

There are strict rules about who can get VAD, but these rules vary between the states and territories.

VAD has been legally available in NSW since 2023.

In NSW, it is legal for adults with an advanced, progressive, and terminal illness expected to cause death within 6 months – or 12 months for neurodegenerative conditions.

Patients must have decision making capacity, act voluntarily without coercion, be Australian citizens/residents, and have lived in NSW for at least 12 months.

Source: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15757137/ABC-star-James-Valentine-tragically-dies-aged-64.html