Judy Markey, a pioneering figure in Chicago talk radio who helped reshape the medium by showcasing women’s perspectives, has died at the age of 82. Markey passed away on September 11 in Switzerland through voluntary assisted death, a choice made possible in part due to her diagnosis with a degenerative neurological disorder in 2024. Her family noted she opted to end her life on her own terms. Her death coincided with the day before Illinois’ new law allowing medically assisted dying went into effect—a practice Markey had long supported despite not qualifying for it in the United States under existing criteria.
Markey rose to prominence alongside co-host Kathy O’Malley on the “Kathy and Judy Show,” which aired on WGN Radio starting in 1989. The program, initially given a low-profile daytime slot on Super Bowl Sunday, quickly gained a devoted following over its 20-year run. It was notable for breaking the male-dominated mold of talk radio by focusing on a range of everyday topics—parenting, relationships, household issues—blended with humor and candid conversation. Their relaxed, unfiltered style earned them the affectionate nickname “the Girlfriends” from their listeners.
The show became a cultural phenomenon in Chicago, selling out fan conventions and attracting celebrity guests such as Brooke Shields, Robert Goulet and Hillary Clinton. Its grassroots fan base included both women and men who found the hosts’ candid discussions relatable and refreshing. The program was recognized with awards from the Alliance for Women in Media and praised industry-wide for broadening talk radio’s appeal. Even after being dropped from WGN in 2009 during a programming shake-up, the show enjoyed a weekend revival from 2013 to 2017.
Markey’s work also ventured into serious and socially relevant topics. On one occasion, following assertions by a conservative group that abortion leads to mental health problems, Markey was the first to publicly disclose her own abortion experience on air, prompting numerous listeners to share their stories as well. This openness helped break taboos around sensitive issues and reflected the show’s blend of humor and meaningful dialogue.
Born Judy Kay Lindheim in Cleveland in 1944, Markey was raised by parents who owned a dance hall and record store and had ties to professional baseball’s Chicago White Sox. She earned a journalism degree from Northwestern University in 1965 and spent time abroad in Europe raising her children before returning to the United States and building a career as a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Her writing was characterized by humorous reflections on everyday life, reminiscent of Erma Bombeck’s style.
Markey’s transition to radio came after WGN programmer Lorna Gladstone paired her with longtime friend O’Malley, capitalizing on their natural chemistry. Together, they crafted a show that anticipated later women-focused formats such as “The View,” but with a distinctly conversational and unscripted style.
Markey is survived by her husband, Tom Collinger, whom she married in 2002; two children; two stepchildren; a brother; and two grandchildren. Colleagues and fans alike remember her for her candidness, wit, and willingness to engage openly with her audience. Former WGN news anchor Steve Bertrand described her legacy as normalizing conversations about assisted dying, saying she “helped make it more acceptable” through her example.
Throughout her career, Markey described the show’s unique tone as an “acquired taste,” combining laughter with serious reflection. Her impact in giving women a prominent and authentic voice in talk radio remains a significant part of her broadcasting legacy.