Jennifer Zamparelli tears up during emotional farewell to her RTÉ radio show

Stephen Porzio

“It’s been a real privilege to work in one of coolest radio stations.”

Radio presenter Jennifer Zamparelli bid an emotional farewell to the listeners of her RTÉ 2FM show after it was announced earlier this week that she was leaving the programme.

Laura Fox has been filling in for Zamparelli on her morning show over the past few weeks. The latter, however, joined Fox on Friday’s edition of the programme to discuss the news that she is stepping away from the station.

On her Instagram ahead of the appearance, Zamparelli stated that she would be having “the chats” about her “last ten years on radio”.

She added that it would be a “happy occasion” and “a celebration” of working “with the most amazing people and having the best craic.”

“I did all my crying last night so I’m going to try and hold it together,” the presenter also said.

During the programme itself, Zamparelli told Fox and the listeners that she “got to ten years” and that “it’s been a real privilege to work in one of coolest radio stations”.

“I know at the moment it’s unpredictable and there’s lots of goss and lots of things going on but isn’t that what we love about it? That’s what makes us cool. You never know what you’re going to get, what’s going to happen,” she also said.

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Zamparelli became emotional as she explained her decision to leave the station: “I just want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to come back and sign off here, where I should.

“I knew I made the right decision because I have been flip-flopping for a while, it’s been the most difficult decision.

“But last night when it came on the news… I was watching with my kids and the newsreader gave the reason why and said: ‘Because she wants to spend time with her family,’ and my son hugged me.”

She then joked: “But he was wrecking my head this morning, so if you will have me back.”

Zamparelli also said that she is not parting ways with RTÉ altogether, just 2FM, indicating that she will continue hosting duties on Dancing with the Stars.

“I would like to say, it’s been an absolute pleasure. Thank you for letting me grow as a presenter,” Zamparelli signed off with.

“And I wouldn’t be the broadcaster and presenter I am today on Dancing With The Stars or on telly or running businesses if I didn’t have the opportunity in radio.

“Because doing a live show every single day isn’t easy but it is the most amazing experience and I have laughed, I’ve met some of the greatest friends.”

Again, she quipped: “Will you have me back? No, okay,” before adding: “I will be tuning in, that’s all I’m going to say, because I think the best is yet to come.”

On Thursday evening, Zamparelli announced she was leaving her RTÉ 2FM daily show after five years.

The host presented her own show from 9-12pm weekdays on the station since May 2019 and said that spending more time with her children is a reason behind her departure.

She joined the station in February 2014 on Breakfast Republic.

The announcement follows a spate of big name departures from RTÉ this month, including The 2 Johnnies and Doireann Garrihy.

RTÉ 2FM will announce further details on its summer schedule in the coming weeks.

Main images via RTE2FM and JenZamparelli/Instagram