How many times has DJ Johnnie Walker been married? All we know as beloved BBC Radio DJ dies at 79

BBC R2 Live At Hyde Park - Source: Getty
DJ Johnnie Walker died at 79 (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns)

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of legendary former BBC Radio DJ Johnnie Walker, who passed away at the age of 79.

As per BBC, On December 31, 2024, radio DJ Walker died due to pulmonary fibrosis, which is scarring of the lungs, a condition that makes breathing difficult.

As fans remember the iconic DJ's life and legacy, many have revisited his personal journey, including his marriages, which were a testament to his resilience and unwavering belief in love.

According to IMDb, Johnnie Walker was married twice. His first marriage, to Frances Kum in the 1970s, ended in divorce, and later, in 2002, he married his second and last wife, Tiggy Jarvis Walker.


All about DJ Johnnie Walker's marriages and life

As previously mentioned, Johnnie Walker's personal life has been explored in detail. Walker was first married to Frances Kum. Not much is known about this marriage, but according to IMDb, they tied the knot in 1971.

The couple shared two children—a daughter, Beth, and a son, Sam. Their marriage ended in divorce, though the reason and timeline remain unknown. However, Johnnie Walker often credited this relationship as a key support system during the formative years of his career.

On December 21, 2002, Walker married Tiggy Jarvis Walker. Tiggy remained his partner until his passing. According to Metro, Tiggy spoke about her husband while paying tribute, expressing her pride in his resilience and dedication to broadcasting —

"I couldn't be more proud of Johnnie – how he kept broadcasting almost to the end and with what dignity and grace he coped with his debilitating lung disease. He remained his charming, humorous self to the end, what a strong amazing man. It has been a rollercoaster ride from start to finish," Tiggy said.

Tiggy also reflected on his passing, which occurred on New Year's Eve, emphasizing her prayers for his peace and celebrating his legacy —

"And if I may say – what a day to go. He'll be celebrating New Year's Eve with a stash of great musicians in heaven. One year on from his last live show. God bless that extraordinary husband of mine who is now in a place of peace," Tiggy added.

The news of DJ Johnnie Walker's death was announced on-air by his friend and colleague, BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris, who took over presenting Sounds of the 70s in November 2024.

Harris paid tribute to Johnnie Walker while playing David Bowie's Golden Years, reflecting on their decades-long friendship and Walker's contributions to broadcasting —

"I've known Johnnie since the 1960s when I first started listening to him on pirate radio and we know what an incredible, wonderful, superb broadcaster he was... In fact, Johnnie and I were exchanging texts through the time after I took over the show, he wished me well at the beginning of the first programme that I did."
"Sending you lots of love, 'relax and enjoy, the listeners are lovely, and they'll look after you, all the very best from Johnnie," Harris said.

Johnnie Walker's career began during the offshore pirate radio era of the mid-1960s. He became one of four iconic pirate DJs—alongside John Peel, Tony Blackburn, and Kenny Everett.

He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1969, hosting a Saturday afternoon show. In October 2024, just months before his death, Walker announced his retirement to focus on his health.

The family has not yet disclosed details regarding his final rituals.

Edited by Prem Deshpande
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