CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Veteran broadcaster and U.S. Virgin Islands icon Athniel C. “Addie” Ottley of St. Thomas, lost his longtime battle with chronic kidney disease yesterday. He was 80.
The “Addie Morning Show” was the highlight of many people’s day in the territory, some just had it on in the background, while others tuned in to hear Addie’s voice on WSTA-1340-AM “Lucky13” every day.
Following hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, Ottley was the one kidney dialysis patient who was not flown off island, so that he could still host his popular morning radio show for his beloved listeners on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John.
Ottley also hosted a popular weekly TV show on PBS station WTJX-Channel 12 called “Face to Face With Addie Ottley” which aired for decades and was watched by thousands on a regular basis here.
Government House released the following statement on the passing of legendary broadcaster Athniel “Addie” Ottley:
“Governor Albert Bryan Jr., First Lady Yolanda Bryan and everyone at Government House is deeply saddened by the passing of Addie Ottley, who was a cultural icon and a dedicated Virgin Islander who used his radio program to promote and uplift the people, traditions and community for decades on ‘The Addie Ottley Morning Show’ on WSTA.
“Through his warmth, generosity and kindness, Addie became the voice of the Virgin Islands, and in so doing, he gave voice to thousands of Virgin Islanders through the decades by sharing his broadcasts with the many residents who called his program. Addie treated all people with respect and dignity, and he wielded an influence in the community that crossed the boundaries of politics, culture and humanity.
“While Addie’s voice may be silenced, his unquestionable impact helped shape the territory as we know it
today, and the mark he left on the people and the islands that he loved will live on in perpetuity.”
Veteran St. Croix Senator Kenneth “Kenny” Gittens posted this tribute on Facebook.
“I am saddened by reports this evening that iconic Virgin Islands Radio Broadcaster and Television host Addie Ottley has transitioned from this world,” Senator Gittens said. “Ottley was certainly a household name and has been a staple of many of our cultural and traditional events through our history. He had a big personality and a distinct voice. He turned 80 in November and had his last day on radio, announcing his retirement and final sign off January 31 of this year. Less than two weeks later, Addie has taken his last breath and our community will truly mourn this loss. On behalf of myself, my family and my office staff, I extend condolences to his family and friends and all who mourn him. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
People from all walks of life posted tributes on social media to Addie Ottley.
“The Virgin Islands has lost an Icon in the Broadcasting and Communications Business. Dr. Addie Ottley, former Senator, Lieutenant Governor, President and Chief Executive Officer of WSTA 1340-AM and host of WTJX Face to Face, has transitioned this earthly realm,” Jelani Ritter said on Facebook. “My heart felt condolences to his immediate and extended radio and television families. We are indeed a community bereaved.”
“The Virgin Islands lost a legend in his own right with the passing of Athneil “Addie” Ottley.He was the embodiment of a true public servant,” St. Thomas Senator Donna Frett-Gregory said. “He served the Virgin Islands as a Senator and a Lieutenant Governor. Addie transitioned to serve the community with his voice, on his daily radio show and with his weekly “Face to Face” program on Channel 12 – WTJX. Addie was a man of the people and during our darkest times, you could count on him to be the calming voice the community needed. We thank his family for sharing him with the people of the Virgin Islands. He will be forever missed.”