Beloved radio host TJ Phillips's devastated colleagues announce his death live on-air

Daily Mail​

5 days ago

A South Carolina radio host died Sunday and it was left to his co-host to break the news to their loyal listeners on their commute the following morning.
TJ Phillips was one half of Charleston, South Carolina's 92.5 Kickin' Country morning show, 'TJ & Jessica in the Morning'. Alongside Jessica Chandler, he delivered laughs, smiles and country music every weekday from 5 am to 10 am.
According to the station's website, the two were known for for chatting about 'local news, relationships, country music, parenting fails and everything in between.'
He also took up radio spots on Saturdays from 7 am to 10 am and Sundays from noon to 3 pm.
Prior to taking over the morning show in late 2016, the 66-year-old was the host of WEZL's morning show and even contributed to Live 5 News by reporting live from the CMAs.
The late host started on radio when he was only fifteen years old. Phillips loved to cover all kinds of music, not just country. He'd been known to air classic rock and alternative genres. He also dabbled in talk and sports radio, per Kickin' Country.
According to his Facebook profile, Phillips was a loving husband and father, photographer and animal lover. He served in the United States Army at the American Forces Network in Munich and studied at Vanderbilt University.
Not only was Phillips beloved by the community, he was an award-winning radio reporter. In 2016 he was inducted into the Lowcountry Music Hall of Fame due to his support for local musicians.
He was voted best radio personality by Charleston City Paper and Mount Pleasant Magazine, and he won Best Local Radio Show and South Carolina Broadcaster's radio show of the year.
In their statement about his death, the station said, 'While the word 'legend' may be overused today, it does describe TJ Phillips.'
'His Greatest personal achievements were the thousands of people he connected with over his many years on the radio.' According to the statement, Phillips died peacefully on June 8.
Under the post, hundreds of loyal listeners chimed in to give their love and support to Phillips and his family.
'I'm heartbroken. I've listened to TJ for over 20 years. He's the voice of reason. He was honest. gave great, unbiased advice. He was kind and very much like a dad that never knew me. Charleston has lost an icon. He is already missed,' wrote one user.
'My heart is heavy as I have absolutely no words this morning. He left such a mark on our community and things will never be the same. Thoughts and prayers to TJ's immediate family and radio family, especially Jessica Chandler.'
'He is one of the sweetest souls I ever had the privilege to meet. He left such a mark on our community and things will never be the same.'
Paul O'Malley, the President of Charleston Media Solutions, the parent company of Phillips's former radio station, honored the veteran DJ's death, 'TJ Phillips was more than a morning DJ.
'He was an immensely talented broadcaster, but also a veteran who proudly served his country, a man who constantly tried to make the lives of others better, and a friend who will be greatly missed.'
Chandler was a dedicated supporter of local charities like Charleston Animal Society and Shawn Jenkin's Children's hospital. He is survived by his wife and son.
Daily Mail reached out to Chandler for comment.