‘It’s been a hell of a ride’: Legendary radio host Ray Hadley delivers shock retirement announcement

Following an impressive 43-year career in radio, talkback king Ray Hadley has announced that he will be hanging up his mic at the end of the year.

During an on-air announcement on Thursday, November 7, Hadley told 2GB listeners that he was calling time on his career as a race caller, rugby league commentator and morning-show host.

“I’ve achieved far more than I ever thought I would,” he said.

“My own four children made many sacrifices for me over the years, allowing me to realise my ambitions, and I want to spend more time with them and my seven grandchildren.

“Sophie has been the most supporting, calming, loving and amazing wife and she deserves a break too.

“It’s been a hell of a ride, from a young bloke wanting to call the races, to being the old bloke sitting in this studio for so long.

“But the time has come for someone else to do the job.

“Back in September, I turned 70 and started to think how long have I got left on this Earth, and do I want to keep getting up at 3.30 in the morning.

“At social events, I’m always the first out the door. I don’t want to be the first out the door anymore.”

Hadley got his start in radio while working as a cab driver, he was offered casual work at the radio station 2UE after giving the then news director, Mark Collier, a ride in his taxi. By 1982, he was covering sports including rugby league and horseracing.

He later worked as a fill-in talkback presenter for fellow radio icon John Laws before moving to 2GB in 2001.

Hadley took over the morning program at 2GB a year later and went on to dominate Sydney radio ratings with his frequently outspoken views.

In recognition of his stellar career, Hadley was inducted into the Australian Commercial Radio and Audio Awards Hall of Fame in 2017. He was also awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2002 for services to rugby league as a broadcaster and for his charity fundraising.

Hadley is set to deliver his final broadcast on December 13.

-with AAP.