New Zealand radio and TV star Simon Barnett's beloved wife, Jodi, passed away in their Christchurch home early on Monday.
The loving wife, mother, and grandmother had been fiercely battling brain cancer for five-and-a-half years.
Jodi and Simon shared a 32-year-long marriage together, where they raised four daughters and three grandchildren. Since an unexpected seizure in April 2018, she underwent four brain surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments.
The family released the following statement:
“We are absolutely heartbroken that our beautiful wife and mother, Jodi, passed away in the early hours of Monday morning,”
“We are completely broken but trust she is now walking and talking freely with our heavenly Dad."
"Words cannot adequately convey how deeply loved she was by us, and all who knew her.”
Simon was a beloved member of the More FM family between 1997 and 2018, broadcasting with Gary McCormick. Jodi became widely known in New Zealand through the heartfelt stories Simon shared on air, inviting listeners into their lives.
“Si, Jodi and the girls have been a massive part of our station for many years. We will always treasure the beautiful personal stories Simon shared about Jodi. She was one of a kind and the perfect partner to Si.”
The Breakfast Club shared their tributes to Jodi this morning (03.10.23) with Lana expressing the deep bond we Kiwis had with Simon and Jodi. "They had this love that you could only ever wish for," Lana said, "Our hearts break for Si and his beautiful daughters and for what they're going through now".
“I just would like to thank Simon for sharing Jodi with the country and letting us learn about how amazing of a wife and a mother she was to those four girls”
- Lana
Leon Wratt, Director of Content for More FM's parent company Mediaworks, acknowledged Simon's tremendous contributions to New Zealand radio.
"I would like to acknowledge the huge contribution that Simon made to More FM and Jodi was always alongside him as a confidant and rock. She will be sorely missed.
On behalf of the More FM team and Mediaworks we have sent our love, best wishes and deepest sympathies to Simon and their daughters”
From the whole More FM family, our thoughts are with Simon, the girls and their family.
Hear the full tribute from The Breakfast Club below:
