Why Ray Martin is planning his own funeral
Ray Martin is planning his own funeral as he prepares for his 'Last Goodbye', as part of an eye-opening new series.
The veteran journalist will be planning his memorial service for an upcoming SBS documentary series which explores cultural traditions surrounding death.
The three-part series, called Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye, will explore various taboos surrounding death with comedic and witty anecdotes.
The series will investigate various funeral trends and rituals around the world and will address some deep questions, including why people choose certain ceremonies, songs and resting places, and how geography, religion and social class impacts these choices.
At 79 years old, Ray said in a statement that statistically he is only four years away from his own death and wants to explore the topic with a serious yet funny nature.
Martin will also have a range of special guests on the show, including veteran presenter Gretel Killeen, 61, and comedian Alex Lee.
SBS Commissioning Editor Bethan Arwel-Lewis said, "At SBS we aren't scared to tackle those subjects that are sometimes provocative or difficult in our programming."
"So an exploration of death – one of our last taboos is the perfect subject for us to lift the lid on, and who better to take us into this world and get us talking and even laughing about death, than Ray Martin."
Last year, Martin insisted that he still has a lot of life left in him, as he grows older gracefully and continues to work.
"I'm never going to retire. David Attenborough is in his 90s and he's my role model. He says you've got to keep doing what you love," he told Woman's Day magazine.
Ray Martin: The Last Goodbye will premiere on Wednesday, August 14 at 8.30pm on SBS and SBS On Demand.
Image credits: SBS