Judy Markey, a Humorous Voice On Chicago Radio, Is Dead at 82

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 17, 2026

Judy Markey, a well-known Chicago talk radio host and co-creator of the long-running “Kathy and Judy Show,” died at 82 after choosing voluntary assisted death due to a degenerative neurological disease. Her pioneering approach to candid discussions on personal and social issues earned her widespread acclaim and a devoted audience, including two Gracie Awards recognizing her impact on women in media.

Judy Markey, a pioneering figure in Chicago talk radio known for her dynamic partnership with Kathy O’Malley, died on September 11 in Roderis, Switzerland. She was 82. Markey’s husband, Tom Collinger, said she had been diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disease two years earlier and elected to undergo voluntary assisted death at a Pegasos Swiss Association facility.

Markey rose to prominence in Chicago during the early 1980s as a nationally syndicated columnist for The Chicago Sun-Times, drawing comparisons to Erma Bombeck for her humorous, relatable takes on everyday life, relationships, and family matters. Her collaboration with O’Malley began in 1989 on WGN Radio, where their show, “The Kathy and Judy Show,” became a staple for listeners over two decades. The duo earned a dedicated following, particularly among women, and were affectionately dubbed “the Girlfriends.”

The program featured a blend of light-hearted banter and candid discussions on topics such as parenting, sex, and personal experiences. Regular segments included “Sex Thursday,” where callers shared intimate stories; “Speak Your Piece,” providing a platform for listeners to vent over minor grievances; and “Letting Go,” which focused on parents adjusting to sending children off to college. Their approach combined planned topics with improvisation, fostering a casual and relatable atmosphere that resonated with a broad audience.

Markey and O’Malley’s impact extended beyond entertainment. They tackled serious issues, including challenging stereotypes about women’s mental health after abortion, which prompted an outpouring of supportive listener responses. The show received accolades such as the Gracie Award for outstanding radio talk show in 2006 and 2008 from what is now the Alliance for Women in Media.

Born Judy Kay Lindheim in Cleveland on February 18, 1944, she moved to Beverly Hills as a teenager and later graduated from Northwestern University’s journalism program in 1965. After early work in publishing and advertising, she spent several years in Europe with her first husband before returning to the U.S. Markey contributed to women’s magazines and major newspapers before focusing on radio.

The Kathy and Judy Show was initially canceled by WGN in 2009 amid shifts to attract younger audiences, though the pair resumed a Saturday morning version of the show in 2013, continuing until 2017. Markey is survived by her husband, two children, two stepchildren, two granddaughters, and a brother. At a memorial service on September 17, Collinger described her as a vibrant mix of humor, wit, and warmth, capturing the qualities that endeared her to listeners and colleagues alike.

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