BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley has been inundated with messages of support after announcing the death of her “lovely” father in a moving Instagram post.
The 61-year-old broadcaster had revealed on her Dig It podcast that her father, Martin, had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which she said was “heartbreaking”.
Jo shared the news of her father’s passing with her social media followers on Tuesday night, posting a carousel of photos and videos with him throughout the years.
She wrote: “My lovely Dad died today. He was the kindest man, who lived solely to make others happy.
“He was supremely selfless and loved nothing more than caring for others and making people laugh.”
The TV and radio star said she has received “so many messages” from people describing her dad as “a character,” which she said “sums him up completely”.
“I have Dad to thank for my love of music – he used to walk around the building site where he worked as an electrician with a huge ghetto blaster – the OG DJ and his passion for music never went away,” Jo continued. “His love for Elbow, Coldplay and Dido was unrivaled.”
Jo said her father’s childhood was “as sad as it gets,” saying he was “sent alone to a sanatorium in London for two years” after being diagnosed with tuberculosis.
“Meeting my Mum meant that Dad got a family of his own and finally got to experience love,” she wrote. “Knowing how it felt not to be cared for, he devoted his life to caring for others.”
© Jo Whiley/InstagramJo, whose younger sister Frances has the rare genetic disorder cri du chat syndrome, continued: “Being the father of someone with learning disabilities (LD) in the 70s meant that life has had its challenges.
“But Dad has been such a force for good in the LD world simply by embracing and loving everyone with a difference.
“He may have had the saddest childhood but he triumphed by giving me, Frances, and his grandchildren the happiest childhoods anyone could have dreamt of.”
© @jowhiley/Instagram“He was the greatest Dad and he was everybody’s favourite Grandad, but especially to India , Jude, Cass and Coco who adored him,” penned Jo.
The presenter concluded the post with a message from her sister, in which she described their dad as a “legend” who the family will “miss so very much”.
Fans and friends share their support
The comments section was quickly inundated with messages of condolences, with Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies writing: “The OG DJ. So sorry, love to you and the family. Take care.”
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver penned: “Bless you Jo I’m so sorry for the loss of your father, sending loads of love,” while Good Morning Britain host Kate Garraway added: “Oh Jo – so so sorry for your loss – sending love.”
Singer KT Tunstall, actor Richard E Grant and TV presenter Vanessa Feltz also sent messages of support.
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