Simon Barnett Expresses Gratitude Following Emotional Disclosure of Wife’s Death
Christchurch, New Zealand – Broadcaster Simon Barnett has publicly thanked supporters for an outpouring of compassion following his candid discussion of his grief over the death of his wife, Jodi Barnett. The outpouring of support came after Barnett shared his personal story on the “Between Two Beers” podcast earlier this week.
A Five-Year Battle and Profound Loss
Jodi Barnett passed away in October 2023, at their home in Christchurch, after a five-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer. She was sixty-one years old. The couple shared over three decades of marriage and raised four daughters together. Barnett openly expressed his immense sorrow, stating, “I would give everything up in a heartbeat to have Jodi back.”
The loss has deeply impacted Barnett, who hosts a show on more FM. He returned to radio in January 2024, visibly moved by the experience, and has continued to navigate his grief publicly.
Public Acknowledgement and Community Support
Barnett conveyed his gratitude thru a post on More FM‘s Breakfast Club social media accounts. He expressed being overwhelmed by the “thousands of messages” received, noting their encouragement extended not only to him but also to his children.
Did You Know?
Grief is a natural response to loss, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
He acknowledged the perception that public figures are often seen as invulnerable, stating, “Doing what I do for a living, people think you are bulletproof, as you know, I am not.” barnett described the feeling of “incredible depth of love” he experienced while reading the messages.
Barnett also shared his appreciation for hearing the stories of others who have experienced similar losses. He described a sense of shared understanding, stating, “As I said in the podcast, it’s a club none of us want to belong to, but in a very bizarre way, we are all members together, and that is a comfort.”
He concluded his message with a reflection on the enduring power of love, quoting, “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” This sentiment echoes research on the importance of social support in coping with bereavement [[1]].
Key Details of Jodi Barnett’s Battle and passing
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Jodi Barnett’s Battle with Brain Cancer | Approximately 2018 |
| Jodi Barnett’s Death | October 2023 |
| Simon Barnett returns to Radio | January 2024 |
| Barnett Discusses Grief on “Between Two Beers” podcast | August 2025 |
What role does open communication play in navigating grief, and how can communities better support those who are mourning?
Pro Tip: Remember that grief is a highly personal experience, and there is no right or wrong way to feel.
The conversation surrounding grief and loss is increasingly critically important in modern society. Studies show that prolonged grief disorder affects approximately 10% of bereaved individuals [[2]], highlighting the need for increased awareness and accessible mental health resources. The willingness of public figures like Simon Barnett to share their experiences can help destigmatize grief and encourage others to seek support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Simon Barnett and Jodi Barnett
- Who is Simon Barnett? Simon Barnett is a well-known radio broadcaster in New Zealand, currently hosting a show on More FM.
- What happened to Jodi Barnett? Jodi Barnett passed away in October 2023 after a five-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer.
- How has Simon Barnett responded to his wife’s death? Barnett has openly shared his grief and expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the public.
- Where did Simon Barnett discuss his grief? He discussed his grief on the ”Between Two Beers” podcast in August 2025.
- What message did Simon Barnett share after the podcast? He thanked his supporters for the thousands of messages of encouragement he and his family received.
If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, please reach out for help. Resources are available to provide support and guidance during this arduous time.
