Adriana Xenides: family statement

The family of the late Adriana Xenides has now issued a statement on the passing of the beloved television hostess.

Written by her next of kin, here is the Statement in full:

I wish to advise that my first cousin, Adriana Xenides passed away peacefully at approximately 4.40pm Tuesday the 7th June 2010, at Liverpool Public Hospital. She was surrounded by a group of her closest relatives and friends who were able to attend at short notice.

I wish to take the opportunity to thank all the hospital staff, ambulance, GP’s, and other medical specialists, that had attended to her needs over the last few years. I would particularly like to thank those at Liverpool Public Hospital, who made her last few hours as comfortable as possible.

Adriana was fortunate to have a close group of relatives and friends whose friendship she greatly valued, and I wish to thank them all for their condolences and expressions of sympathy.

Adriana’s public persona was well known, but privately, she had to deal with a number of health, emotional, financial and family issues that were difficult. Many people of 40 years of age and over have had some knowledge of her high media coverage, mainly based around her 18 years on the game show “Wheel Of Fortune”, many of which were with her close friend and compere, Mr John Burgess.

Adriana lived most of her life in the public eye, including all the ups and downs. She was certainly loved by many Australians, and this empathy was very important to her, especially after her media persona and profile had waned over the last 6 or 7 years. Adriana’s love for animals, and her dogs (especially Red who she had over the last 13 odd years), was well known. She was a more than willing contributor to a number of charities, attended many a Telethon, hosted many cancer fund raising events and was always prepared to help any worthy cause if it was at all possible for her. Whoever she interacted with, found her to be a genuine, happy, positive, interested, helpful and open person. She had a great sense of humour, a warm heart and enjoyed the company of many people from different walks of life.

Adriana has at last found the peace, tranquillity and rest that were difficult for her to find over the last 3 or 4 years as her general health had deteriorated.

As we look at how her life unfolded, she certainly made her mark, and could not be missed or ignored. Whilst her passing is obviously a shock to many, I was pleased that the Liverpool Hospital did their best to see that she achieved whatever comfort was possible in her last moments. I’m sure as a last word, she would want me to thank all her fans for all the heartfelt warmth and support they gave her in good times and bad.

The funeral service will strictly be a private function, as Adriana had made clearly known to relatives and friends. I would like to thank everyone for their understanding at this time and for respecting her and her family’s privacy.

Jim (surname withheld).