After 500 shows and more than 2,000 hours of programming, Felicity Urquhart has announced she is signing off as host of ABC Radio’s national Saturday Night Country program.
She will host her final show on Boxing Day, then will focus on “family, health and getting creative.”
Since 2010, the award-winning country music artist has been the voice of Australia’s home of country music on ABC radio, after replacing original host John Nutting.
A 14-time Golden Guitar winner, Urquhart took a brief hiatus when her husband Glen Hannah died in early 2019.
“The last 18 months have been the most unusual in my personal life and it seemed very clear, especially after what we’ve all been through this year, that family is so important. I really want to spend quality time with my young girls, be present and pass on that creative spirit.
“I need to look after my health — it probably has waned a little bit — and I’ve worked out that I’m not superwoman,” said Urquhart, who annoucned her decision on air in this week’s show
Born and raised in the country capital of Tamworth, Urquhart seemed destined for stardom at a young age.
She grew up in a house filled with country music and listened to local radio country show Hoedown each night before bedtime.
The young Felicity used to pretend to be a radio announcer and record shows in her bedroom.
“I will miss these moments, but I now want to pass that passion to someone else…”It’s been an absolute joy. It’s all about the music, not the host,” she said.
ABC Country content manager Meagan Loader says Urquhart always got to the heart and soul of each album and song for the audience due to her own experience as a songwriter and performer. “We will miss her energy, empathy and open-minded approach to supporting artists from across the country music community,.”
Urquhart’s final Saturday Night Country will air on December 26, with a new presenter being announced towards then end of January 2021.
Subscribe to the radioinfo podcast on these platforms: Acast, Apple iTunes Podcasts, Podtail, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, or wherever you get your podcasts.
