Much-loved radio DJ, Johnnie Walker, died at the age of 79 in December just months after hosting his final BBC Radio 2 Sounds Of The 70s show
The widow of late DJ legend, Johnnie Walker, has opened up about the star’s final weeks and heartbreaking act of kindness three months after his death. Johnnie died at the age of 79 in December just months after hosting his final BBC Radio 2 Sounds Of The 70s show after being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Speaking for the first time about his tearjerking last moments, Tiggy Walker, who was married to the former BBC DJ for 23 years, revealed her husband wanted to do a ‘ final kitchen disco ‘ for his friends and legion of loyal followers – despite being in a wheelchair and on oxygen.
Taking to the airwaves on Boom Radio on what would have been Johnnie’s 80th birthday, Tiggy said the special party last August was the last time her husband addressed his adoring audience as he signed off with a Bette Midler classic.
Recalling the star’s touching act of kindness for his pals, she said: “Johnnie decided he wanted to do a final kitchen disco. He used to tend to at the end of supper parties. He either went to bed very early, or he decided he was going to start playing music and everyone would get dancing and you never knew which way it was going to go.
” Anyway, this time he said he specifically wanted a kitchen disco, and I kept saying: ‘ Are you sure, Johnnie? ‘ ‘ Yes, I am’. ‘ Are you sure? ‘ He was. “
Speaking on the Boom Radio tribute show, which will be broadcast at 8pm tonight, Tiggy recalled how she” moved all the furniture, hung up fairy lights, and a bunch of friends came over”, explaining:” So our friends duly danced to all his songs until 11 o’clock when he decided he’d had enough”.
Revealing her husband’s final song choice was a tearjerker by Bette Middler, she said:” I truly expected him to end on a big banger, but being the old-fashioned guy he was, for him parties should end with a slow dance. And what a choice.
“The final song he played for all of us was this, Bette Midler singing The Rose”.
The veteran radio DJ presented his final Sounds Of The 70s show on BBC Radio 2 in October and hosted his last episode of The Rock Show after needing to retire because of ill health.
Johnnie had announced in early October his retirement plans after 58 years on the radio. He had been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
His death was announced on air by his friend and colleague, BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds of the 70s in November.
Tributes poured in for the star following the announcement as he devoted wife, 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. “
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Source: Mirror
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