'Iconic' southern radio host diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer just a year after retiring
A longtime Georgia morning radio host is fighting late-stage pancreatic cancer just months after retiring from a legendary career.
Mark Robertson, the retired voice of Savannah's 98.7 The River, has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, friends wrote this week on social media.
Robertson, 73, retired in July of last year. He hosted for 48 years.
One of his cohosts, The Mark and Sandy Morning Show's Sandy McCloud, sat down with Savannah's NBC affiliate Monday to react to her friend's diagnosis.
McCloud told WSAV she was 'devastated to hear' the news and 'just wished there was something [she] could do to help.'
'We used to always have as much fun as you can getting up at 5:30[am] to be with somebody. He was great,' she stated.
Robertson's impact during his half-century of broadcasting is also not to be underestimated, his friend said.
She recalled how Robertson's wakeups came off more like friendly conversations.
Mark Robertson, the retired voice of Savannah's 98.7 The River, has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, friends wrote this week on social media
One of Roberston's cohosts, The Mark and Sandy Morning Show's Sandy McCloud, sat down with Savannah's NBC affiliate WSAV Monday to react
'I think when you’re on the radio, especially on a morning show or afternoon show, when you’re in the car with people, you’re trying to take the burden of them being angry in traffic. I think a lot of people got to know Mark,' she said.
McCloud also cited her longtime colleague's well-known love of animals. Robertson regularly publicized news of missing cats and dogs over the course of his career. McCloud said Robertson would often work to make just one person’s day better.
'I think that he would appreciate just knowing that people do care,' she said of his recent struggles.
'He used to tell me when he was growing up, he would listen to his old transistor radio with a little earpiece. He used to lie in bed and just dream about wanting to be a DJ,' she added.
Friends further told the station that Robertson is currently at home surrounded by caregivers, loved ones, and his pets.
'The only thing you can do is pray and remember good things and share the good moments,' McCloud stated.
The nature of Robertson's illness is dire. Stage IV pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of 3.2 percent, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
The Daily Mail approached Robertson for comment. He's conducted charity work for families impacted by cancer for years, according to his profile on The River's website.
Robertson, 73, delivered his final broadcast for the Savannah soft rock station in July of last year. He hosted for 48 years
The nature of Robertson's illness is dire. Stage IV pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of 3.2 percent, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. He retired over the summer following a 48 year career
He joined 98.7 in 1977 after moving from Brooklyn, New York. He stayed for the soft rock station until his retirement last year.
'98.7 the River, the best variety of the eighties, nineties and today. Luke Combs is remaking the old Tracy Chapman hit fast car. It’s Mark Robertson! Good morning, mine isn’t very fast, but it’ll take me home today. Final day on the radio after 48 years it’s kind of bittersweet,' he told his audience as he leaned into his mic one last time.
Friends are now offering their best wishes to the host on social media. Robertson did not speak with WSAV for their report.
