Legendary Chicago Radio Host Lin Brehmer Dies at 68 After Long Battle With Cancer – NBC Chicago

Legendary Chicago radio personality Lin Brehmer has passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer, WXRT officials said Sunday morning.

WXRT’s Terri Hemmert revealed in a statement that Brehmer had died early Sunday morning.

“It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you that we have all lost our best friend,” he said. “Lin Brehmer fought cancer for as long as he could. He passed away early this morning, peacefully, with his wife and his son by his side.”

Hemmert says the station will honor Brehmer with a special programming block starting at 10 am Monday, the time Brehmer’s show regularly began.

“We will support each other in this heartbreaking time,” he said. “Lin would want that. Don’t take anything for granted.”

Brehmer, a WXRT fixture since 1991, took a leave of absence in July 2022 amid an ongoing battle with prostate cancer, which had spread and forced the legendary DJ to seek more aggressive treatment.

He had recently returned for shows at the station, but had been absent for the past few days.

Brehmer had hosted shows on WXRT since 1991, endearing himself to thousands of fans with his infectious enthusiasm, epitomized by his catchphrase “it’s great to be alive.”