Johnnie Walker Announces Retirement Due to Illness

Johnnie Walker, the beloved 79-year-old BBC Radio 2 DJ, has announced his retirement after 58 years on air due to his battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a terminal illness that severely impacts lung function. In a heartfelt interview, he expressed that while he is 'not worried about dying' and believes in a beautiful afterlife, he fears the suffering that may accompany his final moments. Since January, Walker has been wheelchair-bound and reliant on oxygen, receiving care from his devoted wife, Tiggy. Walker's career began in 1966 and has included stints at various iconic radio stations, making him a cherished figure in broadcasting. Despite his deteriorating health, he maintains a remarkable perspective on life and death, emphasizing his concern for his wife's well-being over his own. His decision to step down from his shows, including Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show, is a poignant conclusion to a remarkable broadcasting legacy.