'Sadly, all good things come to an end': Esther Rantzen's moving final message as we look back on her incredible achievements
The broadcaster has died at the age of 86
Broadcaster and campaigner Esther Rantzen has died at the age of 86 after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2023.
Her family confirmed she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones at her home in the New Forest on September 30th, 2026.
In a statement, the Bafta-winning TV presenter's family paid tribute to "the most wonderful mother" and "cherished grandmother," whose "legacy of compassion and understanding will live on in her charities Childline and the Silverline, and through those of us who were lucky enough to love and be loved by her."
In a moving final letter, Esther wrote, "Dear Everybody, I am so sorry I cannot send you each individual thanks for the fun, the support and the help you have been to me."
She continued, "I have been immensely lucky in the friendship and the professional advice I have had from you which has enabled me to live such a long and happy life.
Sadly, all good things come to an end, as they say. So I particularly wanted to say goodbye and thank you so very, very much. Perhaps I will see you eventually, on the other side. I do hope so."
Esther became a household name as host of consumer programme That's Life! in 1973, which was a huge hit and drew in millions of viewers.
She later went on to host her own BBC talk show, Esther, appeared in series 2 of Strictly Come Dancing and was inducted into the Royal Television Society's hall of fame in 1997.
An activist and campaigner, Esther founded Childline in 1986, a charity that helps children who were worried or in danger. In a statement, the charity says, "She worked hard to understand what life was like for children and young people who were worried or upset, and she knew how hard it could be to ask for help.
"We will make sure that Childline continues to be there for you, and everyone else that needs us"
The broadcaster also founded The Silver Line in 2012 to support older people tackle feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The charity says, "By founding The Silver Line Helpline in 2012, part of Age UK since 2019, Esther ensured that tens of thousands of lonely older people have someone to talk to.
"It is a gift that will continue to keep giving to those in need of a reassuring voice during the day or night."
In her later years, became an advocate for assisted dying after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2023.
Referencing her charitable and advocacy work in her final letter, Esther says, "If any of you would like to donate something to charity in my name as a celebration of what we have had together, I do know that the Dignitas charity in Switzerland is facing serious challenges and would be very grateful.
"And the Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington has also been wonderful to me. And Cathy would like me to pay tribute to Cats Protection of course."
She was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting in 1991, a CBE for services to children in 2006, and in the 2015 New Years Honours was made a Dame in recognition of her charity work.
Esther's family have said that she will be remembered for her "endless capacity for joy," adding, "We are grateful she is finally at rest with her beloved husband, Desmond Wilcox, but we will miss her immeasurably. She was our sunshine."
