Ex-Seven presenter's family shares deeply personal and life-changing news

It's always heartbreaking when a loved one is taken away too soon, and at the Seniors Discount Club, we want to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Bill McDonald.

The former Seven News presenter, who is now a host on 4BC radio, has suffered a deep and devastating loss.


His wife Julianne passed away on November 1 after losing her ‘courageous battle with cancer’, confirmed by her son Jordan in a touching social media post.

Jordan had nothing but love and admiration for his mother, writing in the post alongside a moving image of his hand held in Julianne's as she lay in her hospital bed, 'We love you and will miss you dearly.'


Screenshot 2023-11-03 102414.png
Former Seven News presenter Bill McDonald suffered a loss last November 1 when his wife succumbed to cancer. Credit: Jordan McDonald/Facebook


On November 2, 4BC listeners were informed of the news by McDonald's colleague Gary Hardgrove, who said on air, 'Look, I have some sad news to share with 4BC listeners this morning.'

He read Jordan’s statement on air and stated: ‘We are thinking of Bill and his family’s four sons at this dreadful and difficult time.’


The couple had been together for more than three decades and had four sons: Jordan, Hamish, William, and James.

While McDonald does not often speak about his family life on the show, his fans know of his love for his wife, and publicly dedicated special moments to her on social media.


Screenshot 2023-11-03 102958.png
Bill McDonald posted a photograph with his wife on social media in 2021. Credit: Bill McDonald


One such moment was in December 2021, when McDonald posted a touching photo of the two of them with the caption 'Making memories'. Followers were thrilled for the couple, writing comments like: 'You two—the blueprints for marriage.'


The radio presenter also shared a wedding photo in 2022 in celebration of their 29th wedding anniversary, with the caption: ‘Thanks for choosing me. Wishing lots of love, strength & happiness to you right now.’



Followers showered them with congratulations and well-meaning messages.

But in the wake of Julianne's death, love and kind words have also been sent to the family as they navigate tragedy, rejection, and an immense feeling of loss.


People have taken to social media to express their condolences and have written, 'Sending our sincere condolences to Bill and family and all who loved her', and 'My heart goes out to Bill and his family'.

Key Takeaways
  • The wife of former 7NEWS Brisbane presenter Bill McDonald, Julianne McDonald, lost her 'courageous battle with cancer' last November 1.
  • The sad news was announced on social media by their son, Jordan McDonald, who expressed deep sadness and shared a touching photograph of his mother in her hospital bed.
  • The couple were together for over 30 years and have four sons: Jordan, Hamish, William and James.
  • Tributes and condolences have been pouring in on social media after the announcement of Julianne's death, with Bill's current colleagues at Brisbane radio station 4BC also sharing the sad news with listeners.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we are joining our own voices to all the other kind people who are sending love and kindness to McDonald and his family at this difficult time.
 
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It's such a sad time for a family to lose a precious family member.

I went to a memorial last night in which it's been 3 months since a friend passed away . She died in her sleep very unexpected and only 59. Her husband and two sons are devastated and can't come to grips with their loss.

My neighbour passed away 3 weeks ago at the young age of 43 leaving behind 3 young children after a very short illness. Her family still haven't left their home.
Grief is horrible but sadly it's part of the mourning process and healing from the heart break we are going through.

I send my prayers 🙏 for healing for all these families and pray for strength to heal.
 
Unfortunately all we can do in many cases such as this is remember them in our prayers, wishing them much Love, Good health and happiness in the future. They may be gone, but they remain deep in our hearts and minds for ever more. God Bless.🙏
 
It's such a sad time for a family to lose a precious family member.

I went to a memorial last night in which it's been 3 months since a friend passed away . She died in her sleep very unexpected and only 59. Her husband and two sons are devastated and can't come to grips with their loss.

My neighbour passed away 3 weeks ago at the young age of 43 leaving behind 3 young children after a very short illness. Her family still haven't left their home.
Grief is horrible but sadly it's part of the mourning process and healing from the heart break we are going through.

I send my prayers 🙏 for healing for all these families and pray for strength to heal.
at least (I'm hoping) it was peaceful/painfree
 
It's always heartbreaking when a loved one is taken away too soon, and at the Seniors Discount Club, we want to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of Bill McDonald.

The former Seven News presenter, who is now a host on 4BC radio, has suffered a deep and devastating loss.


His wife Julianne passed away on November 1 after losing her ‘courageous battle with cancer’, confirmed by her son Jordan in a touching social media post.

Jordan had nothing but love and admiration for his mother, writing in the post alongside a moving image of his hand held in Julianne's as she lay in her hospital bed, 'We love you and will miss you dearly.'


View attachment 33798
Former Seven News presenter Bill McDonald suffered a loss last November 1 when his wife succumbed to cancer. Credit: Jordan McDonald/Facebook


On November 2, 4BC listeners were informed of the news by McDonald's colleague Gary Hardgrove, who said on air, 'Look, I have some sad news to share with 4BC listeners this morning.'

He read Jordan’s statement on air and stated: ‘We are thinking of Bill and his family’s four sons at this dreadful and difficult time.’


The couple had been together for more than three decades and had four sons: Jordan, Hamish, William, and James.

While McDonald does not often speak about his family life on the show, his fans know of his love for his wife, and publicly dedicated special moments to her on social media.


View attachment 33797
Bill McDonald posted a photograph with his wife on social media in 2021. Credit: Bill McDonald


One such moment was in December 2021, when McDonald posted a touching photo of the two of them with the caption 'Making memories'. Followers were thrilled for the couple, writing comments like: 'You two—the blueprints for marriage.'


The radio presenter also shared a wedding photo in 2022 in celebration of their 29th wedding anniversary, with the caption: ‘Thanks for choosing me. Wishing lots of love, strength & happiness to you right now.’



Followers showered them with congratulations and well-meaning messages.

But in the wake of Julianne's death, love and kind words have also been sent to the family as they navigate tragedy, rejection, and an immense feeling of loss.


People have taken to social media to express their condolences and have written, 'Sending our sincere condolences to Bill and family and all who loved her', and 'My heart goes out to Bill and his family'.

Key Takeaways

  • The wife of former 7NEWS Brisbane presenter Bill McDonald, Julianne McDonald, lost her 'courageous battle with cancer' last November 1.
  • The sad news was announced on social media by their son, Jordan McDonald, who expressed deep sadness and shared a touching photograph of his mother in her hospital bed.
  • The couple were together for over 30 years and have four sons: Jordan, Hamish, William and James.
  • Tributes and condolences have been pouring in on social media after the announcement of Julianne's death, with Bill's current colleagues at Brisbane radio station 4BC also sharing the sad news with listeners.

At the Seniors Discount Club, we are joining our own voices to all the other kind people who are sending love and kindness to McDonald and his family at this difficult time.
 
at least (I'm hoping) it was peaceful/painfree
Yeh apparently it was a heart attack while she slept. She had a flu for a couple of days and on the Tuesday night she told her family she was going to bed early as she wasn't 100% ,due to the flu. At 8am hubby went to wake her up to see if she wanted breakfast and she was gone.

My neighbour had an illness for 3 months, none of us knew . I always had chats with her , then noticed she wasn't around. She was a healthy fit mum who went to the gym . I've wanted to take food into them but not sure if I should
 
Yeh apparently it was a heart attack while she slept. She had a flu for a couple of days and on the Tuesday night she told her family she was going to bed early as she wasn't 100% ,due to the flu. At 8am hubby went to wake her up to see if she wanted breakfast and she was gone.

My neighbour had an illness for 3 months, none of us knew . I always had chats with her , then noticed she wasn't around. She was a healthy fit mum who went to the gym . I've wanted to take food into them but not sure if I should
I thought she died of cancer. Either way, it's very sad for the family.
 
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So sad, but why are we more concerned if they are a celebrity or related to celebrity. Any next door neighbour or even an. acquaintance deserves the same accolade. May all your loved ones rest in peace
 
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