R.I.P: KKOL Morning Host Phil Abbott Has Died

Phil Abbott

The Hawaiian radio industry is mourning after KKOL 107.9 FM Kool Gold 1079’s morning host, Phil Abbot died Monday of natural causes.

He was 55-years-of-age according to hawaiinewsnow.com.

Abbot, the "Old School DJ" served as the morning host and program director of the station in Honolulu since February 2012.

“Phil was an Old School radio professional,” said Patrick Leonard, Abbot’s colleague and Salem Media’s director of marketing and public relations.  “And one of the most humble, professional radio colleagues I have ever worked with.

Abbot worked in the radio industry for more than four decades as a morning host in Hawaii and on the mainland.

During his 17-year career in the mainland, Abbot made a name for himself working with Los Angeles radio legend Rick Dees in their 'Weekly Top 40' radio program.

He also took part in the legendary 98-Rock “Rabbett & Abbot” morning show before moving back to Hawaii with his family in 2009.

The Hilo native graduated from Hilo High School and pursued a journalism degree at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Information on a memorial service for  Abbot’s will be announced at a later date.

Abbot is survived by his wife Joyce and two adult sons.