Ray Hadley chokes up during final radio show
Ray Hadley has become emotional during his last show on-air, farewelling his loyal 2GB audience for the last time.
Hadley was joined by fellow 2GB host Ben Fordham for his final show on Friday, with Fordham surprising Hadley with a tribute to his stellar career.
The tribute spanned Hadley’s entire career, from top sporting moments, interviews with Keith Urban, to his children speaking with him on air.
“Ray Hadley, this is your life,” Fordham said before it played.
However, Hadley became emotional when a snippet of his mother’s voice was played during the segment.
“Very emotional. I had heard my mother’s voice previously,” Hadley told listeners, choked up. “I wasn’t gonna get upset. You’ve done this to me you little bludger.”
Earlier this week, Hadley spoke with 9Honey about his retirement, reflecting on his 43-year career.
Hadley admitted he worked brutal hours during his illustrious career, with his dedication leading to what became one of the most impressive runs in radio history in Australia.
"I've fought hard for every position I've got and a couple were thrust upon me without fighting for them, but once I got them I realised that it was things I liked doing," he told 9Honey.
"So yeah, it's been an adventure."
"Like every adventure, there's highs and lows. The lows are about as low as you can get, the highs are about as high as you can get, and hopefully most of the time is in the middle somewhere."
Hadley said while he's "retiring from full-time radio work" he's "not retiring from life" and with his contract set to run with 2GB until 2026 he is considering his options.
"That doesn't mean I won't do something else. What that is, I don't know, because I'm still contracted here. And I'm still committed to this station in many respects ... I've been here for 24 years."
"So, you know, there's always a part of me that is willing this station and this network to do well," he said.
For now, he's planning to take a three-month break "to clear my head."
Image credits: 2GB