Veteran broadcaster Bob Harris announced his retirement from BBC Radio 2 on Thursday, June 4, 2026, after nearly 56 years on air.
The 80-year-old DJ, known as "Whispering" Bob Harris, made the decision following the spread of his prostate cancer to his spine.
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Harris will step away from his regular programs, "Radio 2 Country" and "Sounds of the 70s," to focus entirely on his health recovery.
He was first treated for prostate cancer in 2007 and revealed in April 2026 that the disease had metastasized to his spine, requiring immediate hospital radiotherapy.
A Difficult Decision
"I am so sorry that my health issues are forcing me to step down, but I realised that I must concentrate now on getting myself well again," Harris said.
He added that he did not want to continue broadcasting if he could no longer deliver his absolute best to his audience.
"This has been one of the hardest decisions of my entire life," he stated.
Harris first joined the station in 1996 and expressed deep gratitude for his long career, during which he championed country music.
"It's incredible to think that my broadcasting career has spanned almost 56 years.
I am very fortunate to have spent my entire working life doing something I love so much," Harris said.
He also highlighted his deep connection to the BBC and the creative autonomy he was permitted.
"I am a massive BBC loyalist, and I'm grateful that I have always been given the freedom to build my programmes in my own way," he said.
Harris underscored his pride in developing his specialist country music program into a major force for the genre in the UK.
"I am so proud that The Radio 2 Country Show has played such a massive part in propelling country to become the fastest growing music genre in the UK, and presenting Sounds of the 70s on Sunday afternoons has been a real pleasure," he said.
Thank You to Listeners
Harris concluded his statement by addressing his listeners. "But more than anything, I want to say thank you to my listeners.
I have put everything I have into every show I've ever done, and it's all been because of you," he said.
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"Your love and loyalty mean more to me than words can ever say," Harris added.
He expressed his final sentiments directly to his audience as he prepared to depart permanently. "I am going to miss you, and I love you very much.
Thank you for listening," he said.
BBC Radio 2 leadership acknowledged his massive contribution.
"Bob is adored by the Radio 2 family and his listeners, and we are all going to miss him and his weekly shows very much.
Everyone at Radio 2 sends Bob and his family our love and support," said Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2.
Thomas expanded on Harris's role in expanding country and 1970s rock music to British audiences.
"Bob has hosted The Radio 2 Country Show since 1999, becoming a trusted and respected tastemaker as the genre exploded in popularity.
Since taking the reins of Sounds of the 70s, he has filled the show with love, laughter and captivating stories," she said.
Shaun Keaveny, who has been filling in for Harris during his medical leave alongside Darius Rucker, will officially assume permanent hosting duties for "Sounds of the 70s."
"It was the thrill of my life to meet Bob, the man who has done more to maintain the spirit of rock, roll and radio than almost anyone," Keaveny said.
Keaveny noted that he views his permanent appointment as a continuation of Harris's legacy.
"I consider it not just an honour but a mission, to continue Bob's work of showing the world the greatness of the music of that special decade," he said.
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Harris's final broadcasts aired earlier in the spring, with his last "Sounds of the 70s" episode on March 8 and his final "Radio 2 Country Show" on April 2.
