BBC Radio 2's Sara Cox promised to "try and do Steve Wright proud" as she opened her show shortly after the radio legend's death was announced. The DJ's family released a statement on Tuesday, February 13, telling of their "deep sorrow and profound regret" at his passing aged 69.
Following the sad news, tributes poured in for the veteran broadcaster who presented BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades. Steve's death was announced by his family at 5pm, and presenter Sara was the first Radio 2 DJ on air following the news.
In a moving tribute, Sara choked back tears as she told listeners: "It's hard to know what to say about the news about Steve Wright's passing, except to say that we are all absolutely devastated and shocked and blindsided by this news.
READ MORE: Tributes to veteran BBC radio DJ Steve Wright who's died aged 69
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"Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really, really, kind person, he was witty, he was warm and he was a huge, huge, part of the Radio 2 family and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too and I imagine you're feeling sad too and we're here for your messages. If you'd like to reach out, if you'd like to share your thoughts or your memories about Steve, please do."
She added: "We've all lost a lovely friend, who has been a big part of our lives for so many years. So, we're going to try and do Steve proud for the rest of the show and play the music that he loved so much."
Following Sara's tribute, many listeners took to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to show their support. One wrote: "Very sad hearing Steve Wright was died. But hearing Sara Cox choking up on the radio shows how very much he was loved by his colleagues."
While another added: "A big shoutout on this tough day to Sara Cox, Bobbie Pryor and the teatime team. That was one of the hardest shows to put out there. It was tonally perfect and a lovely tribute to Steve," and a third commented: "Steve Wright, a cherished presence on Radio 2, touched hearts with his warm spirit. Sara Cox's tribute reflects the profound impact he had."
Steve's family said in a statement: "It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.
"In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities.
"As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time." For more showbiz and television stories, get our newsletter here.
