97.3 radio host Robin Bailey’s on-air tribute to son left listeners in tears

BRISBANE breakfast DJ Robin Bailey has paid an emotional on-air tribute to her oldest son and spoken of the tough 18 months they’ve shared since the death of her husband.

Jun 14 2000 B105 Morning Crew presenter, Robin Bailey, at home with her 3 month old son, Finlay pic by Giulio/Saggin babies personality radio headshot profile children

ROBIN Bailey yesterday paid an emotional on-air tribute to her oldest son on his 16th birthday, saying how she had tried to protect him from having to be the “man of the house’’ after his father’s death.

The 97.3 radio host took a few minutes of the Robyn, Terry and Bob show to honour her “amazing and inspirational child” Finn, who she said has “been through a lot” following the death of her husband Tony Smart in 2014.

“The thing about this guy is he is the kid that is the quiet achiever, he is the boy that is so responsible and I’ve been so careful in the last 18 months of not making him the man of the house,’’ she said.

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“He has a right to a childhood and I really passionately feel that he needs to have one.’’

Smart committed suicide in September 2014, leaving behind Bailey and her three young sons, then aged 14, 12 and 10.

She referred to Finn as “the boy that when he gets home from school he will go and kick the footy with his little brother because his little brother wants to”.

“He’s the most caring considerate kid and I know we all say that about our children, but my kids have been through a lot,” she said.

“And I just know that on this day – his 16th birthday – that I get a glimpse of this glorious man that I am sure one day will change the world.”

Bailey said she told Finn the story of his birth as they lay in the dark saying goodnight to each other on Tuesday night – a tradition of theirs that she said provokes some of their best discussions.

Robin Bailey says her oldest son has “been through a lot”.

“With a lot of pushing and screaming – because I’m pretty good at that – and a lot of using my fingernails into Tony’s thighs saying ‘what the hell have you done to me?’ my seven pound, four (once) baby boy was born,” she said.

“He was quickly wrapped up by his father and placed in his dad’s arms.’’

Bailey said she had asked Finn’s approval before making the on-air tribute.

Listeners were quick to comment on the show’s Facebook page with messages of support.

“I was in tears listening on the way to work. What an amazing young man you have there. Happy birthday Finn,” one wrote.

Another said: “You and your boys are inspirational Robin” while one added: “Beautiful Robin, you are doing any amazing job with all of your boys.’’

For help with emotional difficulties, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or at beyondblue.org.au