BBC Radio 2 star Johnnie Walker's heartbroken wife 'couldn't be more proud' as she leads tributes

Johnnie Walker's heartbroken wife Tiggy has spoken out following the news that the BBC Radio 2 presenter had died having suffered a long illness

Johnnie Walker's wife has praised the late BBC Radio star for his dedication to work.

It was announced that the BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds broadcaster had sadly died on December 31 following a long illness. His friend and BBC Radio 2 colleague, Bob Harris, shared the devastating news on air. Johnnie had presented his last ever The Rock Show on Friday, October 25, with his final Sounds of the 70s airing on October 27.

Following his death, his devastated wife has spoken out. In an emotional statement, Tiggy said: "I couldn't be more proud of Johnnie - how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease. He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

"And if I may say - what a day to go. He'll be celebrating New Year's Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who is now in a place of peace." Broadcasting legend, Ken Bruce has taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, writing: "So sorry to hear the news about the great Johnnie Walker. Not only was he a wonderful broadcaster but also a man of great personal strength and kindness."

Gregg Scott OBE also paid tribute, writing: "What tremendously sad news about Johnnie Walker - One of the true STARS of radio who just 'got it'. So many will feel like they've lost a personal friend today." BBC 5 Live presenter Nicky Campbell said: "Goodbye Johnnie. Sweet and brilliant man. I am so lucky to have known you. You were an inspiration."

Meanwhile, Head of BBC Radio 2, Helen Thomas said: "Everyone at Radio 2 is heartbroken about the passing of Johnnie, a much loved broadcasting legend.

"He made Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show appointments to listen to, sharing his personal memories and tales each week. He loved radio and inspired a generation of presenters, passionately promoting the artists and music he cared about so deeply. Johnnie's wry sense of humour and his warm, open style of presenting ensured he was adored by his audience. The airwaves simply won't be the same again. He will be very much missed by Radio 2 presenters, staff and listeners alike, and our thoughts are with his wife Tiggy and his children."

The BBC's Director General, Tim Davie commented: "We are deeply saddened by the news of Johnnie's passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends, as well as everyone at Radio 2. Johnnie was a pop radio pioneer and a champion of great music, entertaining millions of beloved listeners on the BBC across decades, most recently hosting two shows on Radio 2. No-one loved the audience as much as Johnnie, and we loved him back."

Lorna Clarke, BBC Director of Music went on to add: "Johnnie was a truly wonderful broadcaster, and a devoted music fan. There was nothing he loved more than introducing new artists, such as The Eagles, Rod Stewart, Lou Reed and Elton John in the early 70s on his Radio 1 show which attracted millions of listeners. We're incredibly lucky to have had such a unique presenter as Johnnie on the BBC airwaves for so long."

Johnnie was born in Birmingham and left school at the age of 15 to train as a mechanic, later becoming a car salesman. He found an outlet for his passion for music with a Friday night slot as a disco DJ under the name Peter Dee. Walker began his radio career in 1966 on Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station. He later moved to Radio Caroline, where he became a household name hosting the hugely popular night-time show.

He went on to join BBC Radio 1 in 1969, continuing until 1976, with him later moving to San Francisco, where he recorded a weekly show broadcast on Radio Luxembourg. He returned to the UK in the 80s and presented Radio 1’s Saturday Stereo Sequence. After working on various BBC stations, he left Radio 1 for good in 1995 and three years later he was offered his own weekly show on Radio 2, before taking over Drivetime. He earned a reputation as a DJ who accorded more importance to the records he played than the chat between tracks, with names he pioneered including Lou Reed, Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles.

In October 2003, Walker underwent chemotherapy and an emergency operation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. He told his listeners live on air of the diagnosis and later revealed that he "died" on the operating table three times during surgery to repair his burst intestine. The condition IPF is one "in which the lungs become scarred and breathing becomes increasingly difficult", according to the NHS. According to the NHS website, it remains unclear what triggers the condition. While treatments can slow down its progression, there is "currently no treatment that can stop or reverse the scarring of the lungs".