JO WHILEY RECALLS TELLING SISTER ABOUT FATHER'S DEATH

BBC Radio 2 presenter Jo Whiley broke down in tears whilst recounting how she told her sister Frances, who has a learning disability, that their father was dying. The conversation took place during the final moments of their father Martin's life, on the same day Jo announced his death publicly on Wednesday. Jo explained that Frances, aged 53, has Cri-du-chat Syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder that can cause cognitive difficulties, though she said her sister "completely understands" what was happening.

Recounting the exchange on a podcast episode released with co-host Zoe Ball, Jo described how Frances repeatedly asked whether their father would die and where he would go. Jo's mother, described as a devout Christian, told Frances that their father would "go to Jesus". Jo said Frances asked their father's age and, upon learning he would not reach 87, accepted the situation. Jo also recalled a tender moment when Frances, as their father was losing consciousness, asked him to say her name, and he responded by saying "Frances".

The discussion formed part of a podcast episode addressing Jo's father's health. According to the reports, Jo's father Martin was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2025 and was 86 or 87 years old at the time of his death. Zoe Ball became emotional whilst listening to Jo's account of the exchange with her sister.