A major shift could be on the horizon for one of the country’s most recognisable radio partnerships.

After years of sharing laughs and lively conversations with listeners, one half of the popular duo has revealed plans to step away for good.

The news has sparked a mix of surprise and nostalgia among fans. With a future focused on slower living and overseas adventures, it’s clear a new chapter is already taking shape.


During a recent episode of the show, Jackie O made her intentions clear: ‘That’s my plan, at the end of the 10 years to go to Italy and live there for six months every year.’

The studio fell silent as Kyle, ever the showman, tried to process the news.


‘So what you’re saying is, after this 10-year deal’s up, that’s it for you?’ he asked.

Jackie’s simple ‘Yep’ was met with stunned silence, before Kyle quipped, ‘Forget a dream... The shock here is I’ve got nine years left with her, that’s it.’ Jackie, ever the optimist, reminded him, ‘Nine years is a long time,’ to which Kyle joked, ‘I plan to die on air.’

The pair’s blockbuster contract, signed live on air in 2023, was a game-changer for Australian radio.


It secured their future on ARN for another decade and expanded their reach, with the show now broadcast in Melbourne for the first time.

The deal is reportedly worth over $200 million, and each host will pocket a cool $10 million per year, double their previous salary.

The contract includes a base salary, shares, sign-on bonuses, revenue share, and ratings bonuses.

Kyle even has a clause allowing him to broadcast from anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice, a true sign of the times!

But even with all the glitz and glamour, the show hasn’t been immune to challenges. Recent ratings dips have sparked speculation about the future of the duo, making Jackie’s announcement all the more poignant.

Behind the scenes, Jackie O’s journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Last year, she bravely opened up about her battle with addiction to painkillers, sleeping pills, and alcohol, a struggle that began after her marriage breakdown in 2018.

Jackie revealed that her addiction started with a legitimate prescription for endone to manage the severe pain of endometriosis, a condition affecting thousands of Australian women.

‘I was going to the hospital every month with my endometriosis. It just got so out of control, I had to go to the hospital to get morphine, and so they prescribed the endone to manage that,’ she shared.

As time went on, Jackie admitted to using ‘dodgy’ means to obtain the pills, and her reliance on medication and alcohol grew as she tried to cope with stress.

But in true Jackie O fashion, she faced her demons head-on, sought help, and is now in recovery—a testament to her resilience and honesty.

With nine years left on their contract, fans can rest assured that the dynamic duo isn’t going anywhere just yet. But Jackie’s revelation has undoubtedly set the clock ticking on one of Australia’s most successful radio partnerships.

Will the show evolve as the years go by? Will Kyle really ‘die on air’ as he jokes, or will he find a new criminal partner when Jackie finally jets off to Italy?

One thing’s for sure: Jackie O’s legacy in Australian media is already cemented. From her early days on the radio to her candid discussions about personal struggles, she’s shown that authenticity and vulnerability can go hand-in-hand with showbiz success.
What do you think about Jackie O’s plans for retirement? Have you been a long-time listener of The Kyle & Jackie O Show? And if you could retire anywhere in the world, where would you go? Share your thoughts, memories, and dream destinations in the comments below.

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