Tiggy, the wife of veteran radio DJ Johnnie Walker, expressed that they “couldn’t have bettered a thing” regarding his funeral after he was laid to rest.
On Friday, Tiggy was accompanied by Walker’s former colleagues from BBC Radio 2 and Led Zeppelin’s lead singer Robert Plant at St Peter’s Church in Shaftesbury, Dorset, for a service she believes he “loved.”
A procession of motorbike riders on Harley Davidsons, a passion of Walker’s, escorted the DJ’s hearse following the funeral.
“We couldn’t have bettered a thing about @piratejw’s send-off yesterday,” Tiggy shared on social media, dressed in a vibrant pink suit for the occasion.
“Beautiful music, fab readings & so much laughter. He left with Born To Run blasting! I’m sure he loved it.”
Walker passed away in December at the age of 79 after being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that causes lung scarring and makes breathing increasingly difficult, as per the NHS.
Tiggy, who cared for him throughout his illness and assisted in producing his radio show at home, honored him in a tribute shared on New Year’s Eve, commending him for remaining his “charming, humorous self to the end.”
The Pallida Choir from Shaftesbury and Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman were notable performers at Walker’s service.
Before the funeral, Wakeman expressed that he was “very proud” to have been asked by Tiggy to perform his piece Gone But Not Forgotten.
Bob Harris announced Walker’s death on Radio 2 on New Year’s Eve; he had taken over the DJ’s Sounds Of The 70s show the previous November.
In attendance at the funeral were also Bob Harris, former BBC radio host Simon Mayo, radio presenter Paul Gambaccini, BBC Radio 2’s Jo Whiley, BBC and ITV sports anchor John Inverdale, and actress Pippa Haywood, known from Green Wing.
Post-service, Radio 2 presenters Tony Blackburn and Jeremy Vine were spotted conversing with their former colleague Ken Bruce, who has moved to Bauer’s Greatest Hits Radio in 2023.
Walker had announced his retirement from radio in early October after a 58-year career, following his diagnosis with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Shaun Keaveny succeeded Walker as host of Radio 2’s Rock Show after Walker stepped down in October.