SAD NEWS: Beloved Radio Presenter D!es As Emotional Tribute Leaves Listeners Heartbroken
Legendary Chicago radio presenter Judy Markey has died aged 82, with her longtime co-host and close friend Kathy O’Malley sharing a deeply emotional tribute following her passing.
The broadcaster, who became one of the best-known voices on WGN-AM 720 through The Kathy and Judy Show, died in Switzerland on Friday, September 11.
According to an obituary released by her family, Judy had experienced several years of declining health before choosing a legally assisted death in Switzerland.
Her loved ones said she had made the decision after supporting the right to make such choices throughout her life.
Judy is survived by her husband Tom, along with her children, stepchildren and granddaughters.
A private celebration of her life is due to take place on September 17 for family and friends. Her loved ones have asked for donations to PAWS Chicago and the International Rescue Committee instead of flowers.
Kathy O’Malley Shares Heartbreaking Goodbye
Following confirmation of Judy’s death, tributes poured in for the broadcaster, but one of the most personal came from Kathy O’Malley, her friend and co-host of many years.
“The last half of my life has been wonderfully brightened by Judy Markey,” Kathy wrote in an emotional Facebook post.
She remembered Judy for her “brilliance, humour, attitude, wit, and wisdom”, saying those qualities would remain part of her memories and the memories of thousands of listeners who never had the chance to meet her personally.
The pair had often joked about growing older together and imagining nursing homes filled with women from their generation.
But Kathy explained that Judy had made a different decision after her health declined.
She said her friend had been living with a disorder affecting her nervous system and had chosen to remain in control of her decisions while she was still mentally able to do so.
Kathy also recalled sharing one final lunch with Judy shortly before her death.
The pair visited a restaurant Judy had always wanted to try and, despite knowing it would be one of their final meetings, spent much of the meal laughing together.
Friends Had Chance to Say Goodbye
Judy had told those closest to her about her decision in advance, allowing friends and relatives to have personal conversations with her before she travelled to Switzerland.
Kathy described those farewells as an opportunity to say the things that mattered most — expressions of love, support, gratitude and remembrance.
She ended her tribute by admitting how painful this particular goodbye had been.
“For those of us in a certain age group, goodbyes have become a way of life,” she wrote, before adding that this one was especially difficult.
A Broadcasting Career Spanning Decades
Born on February 18, 1944, Judy initially pursued journalism, studying at Northwestern Medill before writing for publications including the Chicago Sun-Times, The New York Times and Cosmopolitan.
She also authored several books before making the move that would define much of her broadcasting career.
In 1989, Judy teamed up with her friend Kathy for The Kathy and Judy Show on WGN-AM 720.
Their chemistry proved hugely popular with listeners, and the programme became a daytime fixture for two decades until 2009.
The duo later returned to the station for a Saturday morning version of the show, which aired between 2013 and 2017.
Their conversational style, humour and friendship helped them build a loyal following, with listeners often feeling as though they were part of the pair’s discussions.
Judy’s death closes a significant chapter in Chicago radio history, but Kathy’s tribute made clear that her friend’s influence extended far beyond the studio.
For those who worked alongside her, knew her personally or simply listened from home, Judy will be remembered for the personality and humour that made The Kathy and Judy Show such an enduring success.
