JO Whiley was left in tears as she recalled how she told her sister with a learning disability that their dad was dying.
The BBC Radio 2 host, 60, shared the sad news that her beloved father Martin had passed away as she shared a gushing tribute to him on Instagram yesterday (23 July 2026).
During the latest episode of Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, which was released yesterday, the pair discussed Jo’s dad’s ill health following on from his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis in 2025.
TV presenter Jo opened up about they navigated explaining what was going on to her sister Frances, 53 – who has a rare chromosomal disorder called Cri du chat syndrome – during the last few moments of his life.
Frances also has learning difficulties and diabetes.
Opening up about how she dealt with the tough time, Jo said: “Frances has been extraordinary and she completely understands what is going on, she knows that he’s not going to get better, she just keeps saying ‘Not going to die?’ and instead of sugar coating it you just have to say ‘Well, he is not going to come home’.
“And she kind of pauses and she’s like ‘Okay, where is he going?’
“And my mum is a really, really devout Christian and she says ‘Well, he’s going to Jesus and that’s where we all go.’
“Frances is like ‘Okay, how old is he?’ He’s 86, ’87?’ And we’re like ‘No, he is not going to be 87’ and she thinks about it and she’s like ‘Okay’.
“She’s just been so tender with him, it’s been beautiful to watch, I’ve talked about her accepting grief before and coming to terms with things.”
“And then there was this really lovely moment when she was leaving the other day, and it was when he was on the cusp of consciousness and she was going ‘Say my name, say my name!’ And he actually said the word Frances.”
An emotional Zoe simply replied: “Oh wow.”
Holding the tears in, Jo continued: “It was lovely. It was really good.”
But getting overwhelmed by her emotion, wiping the tears from her face, she said: “And she keeps saying ‘Daddy said my name!’
“It couldn’t have been better.’
Many fans rushed to the comments section on YouTube where the podcast can be watched to share the love.
One wrote: “Sending you love and strength Jo we are all holding you in our heart xx.”
Another added: “So very sad for the loss of your dear Dad Jo, sending you love & strength xx.”
“Arh Jo, woke up to see the news that your dad had died and then watched this episode. So sorry lovely, such a hard time for you all. Big love and hugs,” a third said.
A fourth added: “Thinking of you and your family Jo. A difficult time. Thank you for sharing.”
On Thursday Jo took to Instagram to share a slew of sweet snaps and short clips of her dad.
In the carousel of memories, Jo could be seen cuddling her dad in one heartwarming photo.
Other snaps showed him at family parties enjoying himself, while one throwback pic also saw the star when she was younger with her father.
Jo then penned an emotional tribute, which started with: “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.”
Jo talked about the “challenges” Martin faced in his own childhood, before meeting her mum and “finally knowing what love is”.
She also thanked her dad for giving her, her “love of music”.
Jo ended the sweet tribute with: “We’re going to miss you so very much. You absolute legend.”