Radio Icon John Laws Bids Emotional Farewell After 71 Years in Broadcasting Career
John Laws, the iconic radio announcer, concluded his 71-year broadcasting career at 89 years old, bidding an emotional farewell to his loyal listeners. Despite feeling bittersweet about leaving, he expressed gratitude for a fulfilling life and career. Known as 'The Golden Tonsils', Laws started in 1953 and captivated audiences with his unique style, ultimately deciding it was time to retire and embrace travel and reading.
John Laws, the legendary broadcaster, officially concluded his 71-year radio career on Thursday, marking an end to an era of entertainment. At 89 years old, Laws expressed a mix of sadness and gratitude as he signed off for the final time during his last show, leaving behind a legacy that captivated listeners for decades.
John Laws Reflects on His Emotional Farewell
In an emotional close to his career, John Laws, affectionately referred to as 'golden tonsils', conveyed his feelings to loyal listeners during his final broadcast. He expressed sadness about leaving but shared that he had no complaints about his departure. Laws fondly stated, "I will really miss you," while acknowledging the countless memories he had accumulated over the years, marking his career as one filled with rewarding experiences.
Bittersweet Moments After the Final Show
Speaking to Confidential after his farewell, Laws described the moment as bittersweet. He acknowledged a sense of sadness but reassured fans that he felt okay. Acknowledging the support he received throughout his life, he said, "I've had a terrific life and I've had a terrific career and I've got a terrific family." He humorously mentioned missing the attention he received while hosting his show, suggesting that he could organize monthly visits from listeners for conversations.
Career Highlights and Retirement Plans
John Laws revealed his decision to retire during a live broadcast on October 2SM after receiving a heartfelt note from a listener. He indicated that the time was right to step down, concluding, "I don’t want to be greedy, I had a fantastic 71 years." Laws, whose first week in radio began in November 1953, plans to spend his retirement traveling and reading.
John Laws' Enduring Legacy in Radio
Beginning his radio journey at 3BO in Bendigo, Laws gained fame as one of the first DJs to introduce rock 'n' roll music during his time at 2UE. After a brief hiatus in 2007, he returned to the airwaves in 2011 with 2SM. Despite facing health issues, including pneumonia, he remained dedicated to his work, often saying he had no intentions of retiring until this final announcement.
Personal Challenges and Resilience
John endured personal struggles, including the loss of his wife Caroline to cancer in February 2020, after 40 years of marriage. Nonetheless, he persevered and continued to engage with his audience, expressing gratitude for the support he received during his career. The radio world will undoubtedly miss this iconic figure who has entertained and connected with listeners through his remarkable journey.
