Beloved Chicago radio host Judy Markey dies at 82 after assisted passing

Judy Markey, the charismatic co-host of Chicago’s historic “Kathy and Judy Show,” died at age 82 in Switzerland after opting for voluntary assisted death due to a degenerative neurological condition. The program, which aired on WGN-720 from 1989 to 2009 and later on weekends from 2013, was the first Chicago radio show hosted by women and cultivated a loyal audience known as “The Girlfriends.” Markey’s husband, Tom Collinger, recalled her humor even in her final moments, noting she joked about needing something stronger than Advil.

The show blended light-hearted segments like “Sex Thursday” with serious discussions, such as confronting anti-abortion rhetoric by sharing personal stories. Her passing occurs a day before Illinois’ new medical aid-in-dying legislation becomes active, a development her family hopes will broaden the conversation on end-of-life choices.