Candy Devine death: Australian telelvision and radio star Candy Devine dies aged 85
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this article contains images and names of deceased persons.
First Nations television and radio presenter and actress Faye Ann McLeod, known by her stage name Candy Devine, has died. She was 85.
Her son, celebrity chef Alastair McLeod, announced the news in a social media post.
“Our dear mummy passed away on Thursday after a life of laughter and music and singing,” he wrote, sharing some beautiful photos of his late mum.
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The post was inundated with messages offering condolences.
“Laughter. Music. Singing. What a beautiful legacy. I hope my children will one day use these magical words about me,” radio host Chrissie Swan wrote.
“I can feel that even though your heart is broken, you know how lucky you were. ❤️”
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Australian television host Peter Everett said: “I know how much you adored your mother and she certainly adored you.. I knew from how she spoke of you…”
He noted Devine was “incredibly proud” of her son.
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Devine began her career on Australian television in the ’60s with appearances on Skippy the Bush Kangaroo and In Key, before moving to Ireland.
She stayed in Ireland after meeting and marrying her husband Donald McLeod.
While living overseas she made a name for herself in Northern Ireland working for Downtown Radio as one their first presenters.
After starting out in the ’70s, the singer worked for the station for nearly four decades, right up until her retirement.
For her incredible career and contributions to radio, Devine was awarded a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2014.
The presenter returned to Australia after the death of her husband in 2013.
Tributes from the star’s colleagues and the broadcast community have flooded in.
Devine’s Downtown Radio colleague Stuart Robinson said she was “A one of a kind broadcaster who brought joy to the lives of so many people here.”
David Blevins, who worked as a newsreader on Downtown Radio, said Devine “was a saint of a woman”.
“The term “dulcet tones” was invented for her. I’ll cherish the memories of the banter we shared when I read the news on her radio show. Safe home sister.”
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