Radio pioneer passes at 82

Judy Markey, co-host of the groundbreaking 'Kathy and Judy Show' on WGN-AM, died Friday in Switzerland where she chose a voluntary assisted death. She had a degenerative neurological disorder.

First women-hosted show in Chicago

The 'Kathy and Judy Show' was the first in Chicago radio history hosted by women in a heavily male-dominated industry. It aired weekdays on WGN-AM from 1989 to 2009, then returned for weekends from 2013 to 2017.

Built a community called 'The Girlfriends'

The show created a sisterhood of listeners known as 'The Girlfriends' who shared joys and struggles. Many male listeners also considered themselves part of the group.

Never afraid to be real on air

Markey shared personal stories with charm and ease, from driving away with a gas pump still in her tank to discussing intimate topics. Her authenticity was the magic of the show.

Met Kathy O'Malley at 'Cinderella'

Markey and O'Malley met in the 1980s when Chicago City Ballet cast media personalities to play the wicked stepmother in Thanksgiving productions. They hit it off immediately during rehearsals.

WGN took a chance on them

In 1989, WGN program director Lorna Gladstone thought their combined viewpoints and wit could work on radio. She tested them in a low-stakes slot during the Super Bowl, and they kicked the door open.

'Sex Thursday' and honest segments

The show featured segments like 'Sex Thursday' where listeners shared personal experiences. Markey created an anonymous system: men were called 'Vince,' women were called 'Rhonda.'

The turquoise dishwasher moment

When Markey complained about a new dishwasher with hideous turquoise trim, listeners called in. It turned out the turquoise was just protective plastic that could be peeled off. Great radio.

Tackled serious topics fearlessly

When a conservative group claimed women who had abortions suffered mental health issues, Markey was the first to call in and say she'd had one. O'Malley called it 'remarkably brave and powerful.'

“I have had an abortion and I'm OK”

O'Malley's tribute got 166,000 likes

After the show ended, Kathy O'Malley posted a poem about Markey on social media that drew more than 166,000 likes in five days, according to former Sun-Times media columnist Robert Feder.

Born in Cleveland, moved to California

Markey was born February 18, 1944, in Cleveland to Johnny and Lois Lindheim, who ran a record store and dance hall. The family moved to Beverly Hills when she was 13.

Studied journalism at Northwestern

Markey studied journalism at Northwestern and worked in administrative positions for an advertising agency and book publisher in New York before marrying her first husband, Tom Markey.

Lived abroad with Abbott Labs executive

She traveled with her first husband to Europe, where the couple lived in several countries as he worked as an executive with Abbott Labs. They later divorced.

Became a successful writer first

Back in Chicago with two small children, Markey pitched ideas to magazines like Cosmopolitan and Glamour. She then wrote slice-of-life columns for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Held annual fan conventions

The show was immensely popular. Markey and O'Malley held annual fan conventions at the Hilton Hotel on Michigan Avenue where devoted listeners gathered.

O'Malley's final words about her

O'Malley told the Sun-Times: 'We were not bull. We said things that were true and things other people didn't want to say. I loved her so much. She was something else.'

“I loved her so much. She was something else.”

Comforting others until the end

Her husband Tom Collinger said she had no fear in her last months. Before passing, she joked about wanting 'something a little stronger' than Advil, and her last joke landed with everyone in the room.

“She had a life that exceeded all her expectations. In the end she was comforting others.”

Died day before Illinois law took effect

It was a coincidence that Markey died September 19, 2026, one day before Illinois' new 'medical aid in dying' law went into effect. Her husband said she hoped her death would broaden the conversation.

Survived by family and legacy

Markey is survived by her husband Tom Collinger, daughter Erin, son Adam, stepchildren Zach and Kate, and two grandchildren. A private celebration of life was live-streamed.