Judy Markey, Chicago Radio Personality, Dies at 82
Longtime co-host of "The Kathy and Judy Show" died by assisted suicide in Switzerland due to a degenerative neurological disorder.
Judy Markey, a prominent Chicago radio personality and co-host of the widely popular "Kathy and Judy Show," has died at the age of 82. Her death occurred in Switzerland, where she chose to end her life through assisted suicide. Markey had been battling a degenerative neurological disorder.
Before her passing, Markey reportedly made light remarks, even in her final moments. Her husband, Tom Collinger, recounted an exchange where, after taking a few bites of a Snickers bar, she complained of a headache. When Collinger offered Advil, Markey responded that she desired "something a little stronger," according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Markey, alongside co-host Kathy O'Malley, helmed the morning talk show "The Kathy and Judy Show" on WGN-AM 720 from 1989 to 2009. The duo, affectionately known as "The Girlfriends," also briefly returned for weekend shows starting in 2013 for an additional four years. Their program garnered a significant following, including a large male listener base.
Markey began her media career as a syndicated columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times before transitioning to radio. Her contributions to broadcasting earned her recognition in Northwestern Medill's Hall of Achievement. She was also acknowledged as one of Chicago's "One Hundred Most Influential Women" and one of the "Top One Hundred Talk Show Hosts."