Legendary broadcaster James Valentine, described as a pioneering and gifted musician and radio host, was given a major honour before he died.

Legendary ABC Radio Sydney broadcaster and musician James Valentine was awarded an Order of Australia in the weeks before his death at 64 after a battle with cancer.

Valentine was the voice of afternoon TV for a generation before becoming a defining presence on radio, his near-40-year career making him one of the most recognisable voices in Australian broadcasting.

Valentine died at home surrounded by family, with his loved ones confirming he used voluntary assisted dying after a long illness.

“James passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, who adored him,” his 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.”

Speaking to 702 ABC Sydney, his children Roy and Ruby said Valentine was “a great dad”.

“I think that is something that we wanted to say – everyone knows he was such a kind man and so generous and compassionate, but he was just such a great dad as well,” Ruby said.

“That kindness and compassion came through for us as well.”
His son Roy said he had been listening to the flood of tributes with his family on the balcony.

“The thing that sticks out for me is this period has been one of kind of pure joy with him and love,” he said.

Valentine awarded Order of Australia before death

On Thursday morning, Governor-General Sam Mostyn revealed that Valentine was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in a private ceremony held with his family last week, with the honour also confirmed to have been made on his deathbed.

Ms Mostyn spoke about having attended a “living wake” for Valentine on Valentine’s Day, describing it as a rare and meaningful gathering that reflected the broadcaster’s deep connection with his audience and colleagues.

She told 702 ABC Sydney the medal was given to Valentine’s family over the weekend.

“I was sent a recommendation by the Council of the Australian Honours to approve James’s appointment as a Member of the Australian honour system, an AM,” Ms Mostyn said.

“We were able to work very quick – I knew how sick James was – and working with his family we got the medal struck (and) engraved with his name.

“I was able to present that to (his children) Ruby and Roy at Admiralty House (on) Saturday so it could be presented to James with his family.”

The AM is one of Australia’s highest civilian honours, awarded by the Governor-General for significant service to a particular field or community, with recipients nominated by the public and recognised for contributions that go well beyond their professional roles.

“As a pioneering broadcaster, gifted musician, and passionate advocate for the arts, his lifetime of achievement has enriched the public conversation and championed Australian creativity,” the Order of Australia citation read, per the ABC.

“On radio, screen, and stage, James has reminded us that conversation and community matters, and kindness belongs at the heart of public life.”

Valentine was awarded the Order of Australia by Governor-General Sam Mostyn in February. Picture: ABC
‘Very best of company’: Albanese remembers veteran host

Anthony Albanese told 702 ABC Sydney that Valentine was a “warm and generous person with a strong sense of decency”.

“He was someone who was always worth listening to,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr Albanese said the late radio host was “so interesting” and “so full of life”.

“Amongst the sadness today, there’ll be joy as well about a life very well lived,” he said.

“All of our thoughts are with his family and his friends and, indeed, the ABC family today.”

In a statement on X, Mr Albanese described Valentine as one of the country’s “national treasures”.

“Australia first got to know James through the sound of his saxophone, most notably in his years with The Models. But it was as a mainstay on the ABC that we really got to know his voice,” he wrote.

“As a presenter and as an author, James was an incisive, witty and often mischievous presence. When he was on, you always felt like you were in the very best of company.

“Our thoughts now are with his loved ones. May James Valentine rest in peace.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was devastated by Valentine’s death.

“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 said per the ABC.

“He will be hugely missed.”

Valentine stepped down from ABC Radio Sydney’s Afternoons program earlier this year after 25 years behind the microphone. Picture: John Appleyard
Inside Valentine’s illustrious career

Valentine stepped away from ABC Radio Sydney’s Afternoons program earlier this year after 25 years in the role following a return to cancer treatment after new tumours were discovered.

His broadcasting career began in 1987 at the ABC, where he hosted the Afternoon Show for children on television after a decade working as a professional musician.

He performed with bands including The Models and collaborated with artists such as Wendy Matthews, Kate Ceberano and Jo Camilleri.

He later became a fixture of ABC Radio Sydney, where Afternoons built a devoted following through its humour, improvisation and unconventional talkback segments.

In 2024, Valentine revealed on air he had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer following a sudden medical incident at a social event.

At the time, he described feeling “equal parts hopeful and terrified”.