Phil Valentine had previously discouraged his listeners from getting the Covid vaccine
Phil Valentine, a prominent US conservative radio host who refused to get vaccinated, and once claimed his chances of dying from Covid were “less than one per cent”, has died after contracting the virus.
Valentine, a host for 99.7 WTN in Nashville had not only previously refused to get vaccinated but had actively dissuaded others from doing so. On his blog, he claimed his chances of dying from Covid “was less than one percent”.
WTN confirmed his passing on Saturday, asking listeners to “keep the Valentine family in your thoughts and prayers”.
We are saddened to report that our host and friend Phil Valentine has passed away. Please keep the Valentine family in your thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/vhXpE7x0oX
— SuperTalk 99.7 WTN (@997wtn) August 21, 2021
Valentine announced his Covid-19 diagnosis on July 11 and pledged to return to his show within a day or two, writing: “Unfortunately for the haters out there, it looks like I’m going to make it. Interesting experience. I’ll have to fill you in when I come back on the air. I’m hoping that will be tomorrow, but I may take a day off just as a precaution.”
However, less than two weeks later, his employer 99.7 WTN announced that Valentine was hospitalised “in very serious condition, suffering from Covid pneumonia.” The statement said the 61-year-old was now urging others to get a vaccine.
“Phil would like for his listeners to know that while he has never been an ‘anti-vaxer’ he regrets not being more vehemently ‘pro-vaccine,’ and looks forward to being able to more vigorously advocate that position as soon as he is back on the air, which we all hope will be soon”
Unfortunately, on Saturday the station conformed his passing on social media.
