High-profile radio star Robin Bailey’s husband Tony Smart has died suddenly after battling depression

CELEBRITIES have expressed their shock and grief at the sudden death of the husband of high-profile radio star Robin Bailey.

ROBIN BAILEY and TONY SMART Socials : Fiddler on the Roof @ Lyric Theatre PicAta/Taefi 09 Apr 2006

FRIENDS, family and the media community are rallying around radio announcer Robin Bailey as she mourns the loss of her husband.

Bailey’s husband of nearly 16 years, Tony Smart, died suddenly on Monday after a battle with depression.

The father-of-three had spoken often of being a stay-at-home dad, who also owned and operated his own men’s skincare range, SmartMen.

It is understood Bailey, a popular breakfast announcer on top-rating station 97.3FM, will take an extended leave from the program. A spokeswoman for ARN, which owns 97.3, confirmed Mr Mr Smart’s death yesterday and said the family had asked for privacy.

“Yesterday we were saddened by the terrible news that Tony Smart, husband to Robin Bailey, took his own life,” a spokesman said in a statement.

“Tony had been suffering from depression.

“Robin is a beloved member of 97.3’s breakfast team and we extend our deepest sympathy to her, her three young boys, Tony’s grieving parents Max, Margot and sister Angela and both their entire families.

“This is obviously very difficult for them and we appreciate Robin’s and her family’s need for privacy. Robin will be making no further comment at this time.”

Tributes and messages of support are flowing in for Robin and her family.

Studio 10 presenter Sarah Harris was one of the first to post her feelings to Twitter.

Aching for Robin Bailey and her kids tonight. Sending loads of love your way, lady xx

— Sarah Harris (@SarahHarris) September 2, 2014

Bailey’s one-time Brisbane breakfast radio rival Meshel Laurie also tweeted her support.

Robin Bailey is a beautiful woman, a good friend to me even though we were radio rivals.Take care of her Brisbane, I know you love her 2. X

— Meshel Laurie (@Meshel_Laurie) September 2, 2014

Weekend Today newsreader Deborah Knight said she was left speechless by the tragedy.

No words. Thoughts with Robin Bailey and her family.

— deborah knight (@deborah_knight) September 2, 2014

On Facebook, the Robin, Terry and Bob fan page was inundated with thousands of messages, with several capturing the feeling of many that while they don’t know Bailey and her family personally, her work on air has made them feel like they do.

“Oh nooo I felt (sic) knew him as she always spoke about her family. My deepest condolences to you and your kiddies. RIP,” listener Lilian Santa Cruz wrote.

Post by Robin, Terry & Bob.

Well-known close friends of Bailey also took to Facebook to demonstrate their support.

4KQ breakfast presenter Laurel Edwards, who broadcasts from the same studios as Bailey, said she and husband Troy Cassar-Daly were in shock.

“Today Troy and I have talked and talked and talked and gone quiet then talked and talked. After a surreal day we go to bed with no answers but its not for us to ask. Know that many hearts surround you Robin Bailey and your beautiful boys,” she posted.

Former Triple M presenter now Gold Coast radio host Emily Jade O’Keefe reiterated the thoughts of many who had posted.

“My love and thoughts are with Robin Bailey and her beautiful sons today,” she posted.

“I hope she knows that her tireless spirit of giving, compassion and love means that thousands in Brisbane who have been inspired and touched by her, grieve with her and for her, and her family and Tony’s family right now,” she shared on Bailey’s Facebook wall.

The couple have three children aged 14, 12 and 10.

For help with emotional difficulties, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au

For help with depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 or at www.beyondblue.org.au

The SANE Helpline is 1800 18 SANE (7263) or at www.sane.org