Radio legend John Laws has signed off for one final time with a devastating statement.

The Australian radio broadcaster, now 89, has been presenting radio for an incredible 71 years. Better known by the nickname ‘golden tonsils’, John bid an emotional farewell to his legion of loyal listeners.

John said on the air: “I will really miss you. And I will miss all of the memories that have gone before me in all of these years, it has been a long time.

“I have no reason to complain. It is obviously sad to say goodbye, and I am obviously sad to have to say goodbye.”

The star confessed he’s had a “terrific life” and a “terrific career” in an interview with Confidential, explaining: “I feel a bit sad but I feel okay. It will probably catch up with me in the next day or two but I’ve got no right to complain at all.

“I will miss the attention because I am very much a spoilt child and I like a bit of attention so maybe we could organise to, once a month, maybe send a bunch of people in just to talk to me, can we do that?”

John – who says he “still feels young and healthy” – received an influx of letters from emotional listeners congratulating him on his last ever show.

And over on social media, fans have been sharing their own memories of John, with one X user writing: “Last time on air for John Laws. Still pulls a crowd.”

Someone else said: “John Laws retires (again) today. At 89. An extraordinary broadcaster who shaped the way radio works in Australia. You know what I mean. Now for a few Wild Turkeys.”

And another fan gushed: “John Laws is retiring today after a record 71 years in Australian radio. I worked with John in the 1980s at 2GB in Sydney and have enormous respect for him. He is was the finest and most skilled broadcaster of his generation. I wish him well.”

A fourth said: “Took a moment today to farewell the ‘Golden Tonsils’ John Laws after 71 years on the air. Happy retirement John, I’m sure it won’t be long before we hear your iconic ‘hello world’ in some form once again.”