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On 6 October 2023, Australian comedian and radio host Dave “Hughesy” Hughes told listeners of 2Day FM’s Hughesy, Ed & Erin that his mother, Carmel, was gravely ill and unlikely to recover. He said his family had gathered around her to celebrate her life. Later reporting confirmed that Carmel died in October 2023.
What did Hughes share on air?
During the Friday breakfast broadcast, Hughes spoke about the difficult weeks his family had been going through. PerthNow and 9Honey quoted him saying, “It’s been a tough couple of weeks.” He then said, as reported by PerthNow: “My mum is unwell, and the family has gathered around her, and we’re celebrating her life… she’s still with us, but it won’t be long.”
7NEWS likewise reported his words: “She’s still with us, but it won’t be long.” The 2Day FM episode listing describes the segment as Hughes sharing emotional words about Carmel’s sickness, though the listing is not a full transcript. PerthNow’s report, 9Honey’s report, the episode listing, and 7NEWS’ report covered the disclosure on 6 October 2023.
What was known about Carmel’s illness?
Contemporaneous reports described Carmel as gravely ill and in the end stage of life. They did not identify a specific diagnosis, so no cause or medical details can be established from those accounts. Hughes said she was still alive when he spoke and that the family was with her.
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How did Hughes remember his mother?
Hughes spoke about Carmel’s support for her children, her stoicism and her sense of humour. He recalled that she had made a dark joke about “kicking the bucket.” That anecdote comes from reports of the broadcast, rather than a verified full transcript.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened to Carmel after the broadcast?
In a January 2024 report, 7NEWS said Carmel had died in October 2023. The story reproduced Hughes’s social-media tribute: “My angel mum Carmel passed last night, at home, surrounded by the love of her family,” followed by “She has earnt the rest.” This later report establishes the outcome; it is separate from what Hughes said during the October 6 broadcast. 7NEWS’ January 2024 report covered the tribute.
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