What Happened to Robert James Kevoian?
Robert "Bob" Kevoian, a celebrated American radio host best known as the co-founder of the nationally syndicated "The Bob & Tom Show," passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 75. After a distinguished career spanning decades, he retired from daily radio in 2015 but remained active, later launching "The Bob & Cancer Show" podcast following his gastric cancer diagnosis in 2023.
Quick Answer
Bob Kevoian, the iconic co-host of "The Bob & Tom Show," died on April 17, 2026, at 75, after a three-year battle with gastric cancer. He had retired from his daily radio duties in 2015 but continued to make occasional guest appearances on the show. In 2023, he launched a podcast, "The Bob & Cancer Show," with his wife Becky and friend Whit Grayson, to openly share his journey and experiences with cancer treatment, maintaining his characteristic humor until the end.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Los Angeles, California
Robert James Kevoian was born in Los Angeles, California.
Graduates from California State University, Long Beach
Kevoian completed his education at California State University, Long Beach.
Begins Radio Career
Bob Kevoian started his radio career at WMBN in Petoskey, Michigan, after touring as a sound engineer for The Young Americans.
Partners with Tom Griswold
Kevoian and Tom Griswold first teamed up at WJML in Petoskey, Michigan, laying the foundation for their future show.
Launches The Bob & Tom Show in Indianapolis
The iconic "The Bob & Tom Show" debuted on WFBQ-FM in Indianapolis, quickly becoming a local favorite.
The Bob & Tom Show goes into National Syndication
The show expanded its reach, becoming nationally syndicated and eventually heard on hundreds of stations across the U.S.
Inducted into National Radio Hall of Fame and Announces Retirement
Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold were inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, where Kevoian announced his retirement from daily radio at the end of the year.
Last Live Show as Co-Host
Kevoian's final live broadcast as a full-time co-host of "The Bob & Tom Show" aired.
Inducted into Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame
Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold were honored with induction into the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
First Post-Retirement Guest Appearance
Kevoian made his first guest appearance on "The Bob & Tom Show" after retirement, hosting from Cincinnati for the Reds' home opener.
Diagnosed with Gastric Cancer
Bob Kevoian received a diagnosis of gastric cancer.
Announces Cancer Diagnosis and Launches 'The Bob & Cancer Show' Podcast
Kevoian publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis during a guest appearance on "The Bob & Tom Show" and launched a new podcast to share his treatment journey.
Tom Griswold Reflects on Bob's Retirement
Tom Griswold, Kevoian's longtime partner, reflected on Bob's retirement and its impact on "The Bob & Tom Show" as the show celebrated 40 years on its flagship station.
Tom Griswold Provides Health Update on Bob Kevoian
Tom Griswold mentioned on a YouTube video that Bob Kevoian was 'doing well' and 'dealing with some stuff' regarding his health, confirming he was still enjoying retirement and traveling.
Passes Away at 75
Robert James Kevoian passed away at the age of 75 after battling gastric cancer for three years.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Robert James Kevoian, born on December 2, 1950, carved out a significant legacy in American radio as one half of the hugely popular "The Bob & Tom Show." His career began in 1979 at WMBN in Petoskey, Michigan, where he later teamed up with Tom Griswold at WJML in the early 1980s. This partnership laid the groundwork for their signature blend of comedy, talk, and interviews.
The duo launched "The Bob & Tom Show" at WFBQ in Indianapolis on March 7, 1983, quickly becoming a top-rated morning program in the city. The show's success led to national syndication in 1995, eventually reaching over 400 stations nationwide and the American Forces Radio Network. It became renowned for its original comedy sketches, recurring characters, and for providing a platform for emerging stand-up comedians. Over its run, the show garnered more than twenty major industry awards, including five Marconi Awards from the National Association of Broadcasters.
On November 5, 2015, Kevoian announced his retirement from daily radio, effective at the end of the year, during his induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame alongside Tom Griswold. His last live show as co-host aired on December 17, 2015. Following his retirement, Kevoian embraced a new chapter, traveling the country in an Airstream with his wife, Becky, and making occasional guest appearances on "The Bob & Tom Show."
A significant turning point came on June 7, 2023, when Kevoian made a guest appearance on "The Bob & Tom Show" to reveal his diagnosis of gastric cancer, which he had received in April of that year. Demonstrating his resilience and characteristic humor, he simultaneously announced the launch of a new podcast, "The Bob & Cancer Show." This podcast, co-hosted with his wife Becky and longtime friend Whit Grayson, chronicled his journey through chemotherapy and radiation, offering an honest, often humorous, look at his battle with the disease.
Bob Kevoian passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 75, after a three-year fight with cancer. His death marked the end of an era for many radio listeners and the entertainment industry. He is remembered for his distinctive laugh, his comedic talent, and his enduring partnership with Tom Griswold, which shaped morning radio for decades.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Robert James Kevoian made different choices?