Judy Markey, one half of WGN Radio’s legendary Kathy and Judy show, has died at 82. The popular midday program ran for 20 years and routinely ranked as Chicago’s most-listened-to midday show.
What We Know: Judy Markey built a lengthy career in Chicago media before becoming a household name on Kathy and Judy. The program, which she co-hosted with Kathy Voltmer, spent two decades on WGN Radio and became one of the station’s signature shows.
What They Said: “Judy Markey was a well-established voice in Chicago media long before the Kathy and Judy. For 16 years she wrote a slice-of-life column for the Chicago Sun-Times. She wrote two novels. The first, The Daddy Clock, was published by Bantam Books in 1998. Her introduction to WGN came with regular appearances on The Bob Collins Show. Which led to the first Kathy and Judy show, which ran opposite the Super Bowl in 1989. From there, it was a 20-year run at the top. They twice won the Gracie Award for Best Major Market Talk Show by the National Association of Women in Radio and Television.” -Former WGN Radio anchor Steve Bertrand
What Remains Unclear: Details surrounding Markey’s death, including the cause and circumstances, have not been publicly disclosed. Additional information about memorial services and tributes could emerge in the coming days.
What It Means: Markey’s death marks the loss of a major figure from Chicago radio history. Together, Markey and Voltmer helped establish Kathy and Judy as a dominant midday program. Their two Gracie Awards recognized the show’s impact. Her work also extended beyond radio through newspaper columns and novels, giving Markey a lasting presence across Chicago media.
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