Tennessee conservative radio host Phil Valentine, who voiced his skepticism over vaccines, has passed away from Covid-19 complications.
On Saturday, SuperTalk 99.7 WTN confirmed his death on social media. Valentine, 61, was diagnosed with COVID more than a month ago, Complex reported.
“We are extremely saddened to report that our host and friend Phil Valentine has passed away,” the station wrote. “Please keep the Valentine family in your thoughts and prayers.”
During his time as a radio host, he used that platform to question the efficacy of the coronavirus vaccines, even though he had contracted the virus in mid-July.
Following his diagnosis, he went on Facebook to reassure his followers that he still had no plans of getting vaccinated.
“Doing my patriotic duty for natural herd immunity.”
“I have COVID. Unfortunately for the haters out there, it looks like I’m going to make it,” he wrote in a July 11 post. “Interesting experience. I’ll have to fill you in when I come back on the air. I’m hoping that will be tomorrow, but I may take a day off just as a precaution. It’ll be a game time decision.”
His conditions worsened over the next few weeks, and he was eventually admitted into the critical care unit. His brother, Mark Valentine, made a statement on his family’s behalf, saying that his brother was indeed “suffering from COVID Pneumonia” and was listed in “very serious condition.”
“Phil would like for his listeners to know that while he has never been an ‘anti-vaxer’ he regrets not being more vehemently ‘Pro-Vaccine’, and looks forward to being able to more vigorously advocate that position as soon as he is back on the air, which we all hope will be soon,” the post read in part. “Phil & his family would like for all of you to know that he loves ya’ll and appreciates your concern, thoughts & prayers more than you will ever know. Please continue to pray for his recovery and PLEASE GO GET VACCINATED!”
