Presenter Jo Whiley shared the heartbreaking news that her dad Martin has died as she praised the way he was ‘supremely selfless and loved nothing more than caring for others and making people laugh’
Jo Whiley has revealed her dad has died(Image: Jo Whiley/Instagram)
Jo Whiley has revealed her dad Martin has died. The radio and TV presenter shared the devastating news in an emotional statement on Instagram, weeks after sharing an update regarding his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
The former BBC Radio 2 star 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.
“I’ve had so many messages today saying that ‘Martin was a character’ and that sums him up completely. Everyone knew Martin Whiley – in the Pub, in his Village and at the school gates when he picked up my children (he was the BEST Manny EVER long before they became trendy).”
She went on to thank her dad for her love of music, saying he would walk around the building site where he worked as an electrician with a huge ghetto blaster. She labelled him the “OG DJ” and praised his passion for music.
Jo admitted her dad’s favourite artists were Elbow, Coldplay and Dido and called his love for them “unrivalled”.She went on: “His childhood was as sad as it gets. When he was a boy he had TB and was sent alone to a sanitarium in London for 2 years which is why we’re all Spurs fans!
“From a young age he had no parents and was brought up by a family friend, his beloved Pap. Meeting my Mum meant that Dad got a family of his own and finally got to experience love. Knowing how it felt not to be cared for, he devoted his life to caring for others.”
And she added: “Being the father of someone with Learning Disabilities in the 70’s meant that life has had its challenges but Dad has been such a force for good in the LD world simply by embracing & loving everyone with a difference. So many great singalongs at the Rockin’ Roadrunner with Dad on the mic.
“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. He was the greatest Dad and he was everybody’s favourite Grandad, but especially to India , Jude, Cass and Coco who adored him.
“Ps. From Frances – thanks for the endless stories, night after night, all night long. We’re going to miss you so very much. You absolute legend xx”
The BBC Radio 2 Instagram account was among those sharing messages of condolence, saying: “Sending you and your family lots of love Jo.” Jamie Oliver also said: “Bless you Jo I’m so sorry for the loss of your father sending loads love xxx”
And Annie Mac said: “Sending all my love to you and Frances and the kids Jo. xx”
Weeks earlier, Jo had opened up about her dad’s Parkinson’s disease. Speaking on her Dig It podcast with Zoe Ball, she admitted her dad had questioned if Parkinson’s “just goes away”.
It prompted her to explain the incurable nature of the disease. Least year she revealed his diagnosis. She told Woman and Home: “I need to look after him and help my mum. It’s those day-to-day realities of life that keep you grounded.
“We had been suspecting something was going on with my dad for a while, so it was good to get a diagnosis, and now we’re trying to make sense of it all. It’s really early days, and he’s quite confused about it.
“Something like that puts everything in perspective and stops you from worrying about rubbish. Everyone will be dealing with those things in real life. That’s the reality of being my age; that you end up having more people to look after and more responsibilities.”
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