Judy Markey has sadly passed away after traveling to Switzerland for an assisted death. The beloved Chicago-based radio host, who was part of the long-running "Kathy and Judy Show," was suffering from a degenerative neurological disorder.
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As such, Judy decided to take the decision of her death into her own hands, on her terms. According to The New York Post, Judy had a headache moments before passing away, after taking a "few bites of a Snickers bar."
"I said 'Do you want some Advil? And she said 'I kind of want something a little stronger,'" Judy's husband, Tom Collinger, noted. "She had a life that exceeded all her expectations. In the end she was comforting others."
Markey was the host of her popular show from 1989 to 2009. She then reprised her role in 2013, working on weekends for the next four years. The duo became affectionately known as "The Girlfriends" and boasted a strong listener base that included countless males.
Notably, the "Kathy and Judy Show" became the first radio program hosted by women in Chicago. Until then, men had dominated the industry. As such, Markey and her co-host were pioneers in Chicago's radio scene.
Judy Markey and Kathy O'Malley Embraced Being Straight Talkers
When speaking with the Chicago Sun-Times following confirmation of Markey's death, Kathy O'Malley, her long-time co-host, shared what she believed made the duo a success.
"We were not bull----. We said things that were true and things other people didn't want to say," O'Malley said. "I loved her so much. She was something else."
The duo often entertained risky subjects, including the launch of "Sex Thursdays," where listeners could call in to share their experiences. The duo even created a way for callers to remain anonymous, as men would be called 'Vince' and women 'Rhonda.'
"Our listeners were the best part of our show," O'Malley said.
Markey's death is an undoubted blow to those who knew and loved her. However, they can find solace in the fact that she took control of her own fate and had time to say goodbye to everyone she held dear. Currently, there is no information regarding a pending funeral or celebration of life.
