James Valentine, a respected figure in the worlds of music, broadcasting, and journalism, has passed away at the age of 64, the ABC have reported.
Confirmed in a statement issued by his family, Valentine’s passing was aided by voluntary assisted dying, more than two years after he was first diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
"James passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family, who adored him," the statement read.
"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,” the statement concluded. “He was calm, dignified as always and somehow still making us laugh."
Born in Ballarat, Valentine first rose to prominence in his late teens at the start of the '80s as a saxophonist, having moved to Melbourne to study jazz at Melbourne State College.
By the age of 19, he found himself performing with groups such as Kids In The Kitchen and Pseudo Echo on Countdown, and was touring with the likes of Joe Camilleri, Kate Ceberano, and Sharon O'Neill.
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Joining Jo Jo Zep And The Falcons in 1982, Valentine would later become a member of the Models in 1984, performing on their most successful record, 1985’s Out Of Mind, Out Of Sight, whose title track topped the Australian charts and resulted in US tour dates alongside Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark.
Performing as a member of Absent Friends in the late ‘90s, Valentine had by this point already launched a career as a television presenter, hosting the ABC's children's series The Afternoon Show from 1987 until 1990, and the short-lived TVTV in the mid-'90s.
Turning his focus towards radio broadcasting, Valentine was a constant presence on the airwaves over the ensuing decades, appearing on the likes of ABC Radio Canberra and Sydney, and presenting the station's Afternoons show for 22 years. Following stints on the Breakfast show, Valentine returned to Afternoons in 2023.
In March 2024, Valentine announced he had been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, and in February 2026, he announced his retirement from the airwaves.
The ABC’s managing director, Hugh Marks, paid tribute to the late broadcaster, describing him 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," 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."
