Twiggy honors her late husband Johnnie Walker with a heartfelt New Year message, reflecting on his legacy and their love.
Birmingham: Twiggy, Johnnie Walker’s widow, shared a touching message as she welcomed the New Year without him. Johnnie, a beloved BBC Radio DJ, passed away just before 2025 at the age of 79.
On New Year’s Eve, she raised a glass in his honor and posted a heartfelt note on X. She reminisced about their life together, saying, “What does a new widow do on NYE? She listens to BBC Radio 2, opens a bottle, and toasts her amazing husband.”
She described him as courageous, wise, and never boring, adding, “They didn’t call him the pirate for nothing. Above all, he was the most devoted loving husband.” She encouraged everyone to raise a glass to Johnnie.
Johnnie, who was born in Birmingham, had just presented his last Sounds Of The 70s show on BBC Radio 2 in October. He had announced his retirement after 58 years in radio, following a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Musician Robert Plant also paid tribute to Johnnie on X, calling him a defender of great musical taste and a kind man who set high standards for others in the industry.
Twiggy expressed immense pride in Johnnie for continuing to broadcast until the end, showing dignity and grace despite his illness. She reflected on their journey together, saying, “What a day to go. He’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve with great musicians in heaven.”
Shaun Keaveny, who took over Johnnie’s show, praised him as a rebel and phenomenal broadcaster, saying it was a privilege to work with him.
Johnnie started his radio career in 1966 on Swinging Radio England, an offshore pirate station, and later became a household name on Radio Caroline. He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969 and continued to make waves in the industry for decades.
