Dini Petty: Husband, Daughter, Family, Children, Son, Biography & More

Dini Petty is a Canadian television and radio host, author, and former helicopter pilot. She became one of the most recognizable media personalities in Canada, especially during the 1980s and 1990s, through her work on talk shows and news programs.

Quick Facts About Dini Petty

● Full Name: Dini Petty

● Date of Birth: January 15, 1945

● Age (2026): 81 years

● Birthplace: London, England

● Nationality: Canadian

● Profession: TV Host, Radio Host, Author

● Parents: Gordon Petty (father), Molly Petty (mother)

● Children: 2 (Nicholas and Samantha)

Age and Early Life

Dini Petty is 81 years old. She was born on January 15, 1945, in Kingston upon Thames, London, England.

● Her family moved to Canada when she was an infant

● She grew up in several cities before settling in Toronto

She comes from a creative family background that influenced her future career.

Parents and Family Background

● Father: Gordon Petty – a film producer

● Mother: Molly Petty – a Scottish war bride who ran a modeling and talent agency in Toronto

Her upbringing in a media-oriented household helped shape her interest in broadcasting and storytelling.

Career and Biography

Dini Petty has had a unique and groundbreaking career in Canadian media.

Early Career – Helicopter Pilot

● Became the first female traffic reporter in Toronto to fly her own helicopter

● Worked for CKEY radio, wearing her famous pink jumpsuit

● Logged over 5,000 flight hours as a pilot

Television Career

She later transitioned into television, where she gained national fame:

● Worked at Citytv Toronto as a reporter and co-anchor

● Co-anchored CityPulse at 6 alongside Gord Martineau

● Hosted CityLine, becoming one of Canada’s top talk show hosts

The Dini Petty Show

Her biggest breakthrough came with:

● The Dini Petty Show (1989–1999)

● A nationally syndicated talk show featuring interviews, lifestyle segments, and celebrity guests

The show ran for about a decade and solidified her status as a major media figure in Canada.

Later Career

● Hosted Weekends with Dini Petty, a radio show focused on health and wellness

● Returned occasionally to television as a guest host

● Became an entrepreneur and author, including a children’s book

Husband and Relationships

Dini Petty has been married more than once, but:

● Specific names of her husbands are not widely disclosed in reliable sources

● Reports confirm she experienced multiple marriages over her lifetime

She has generally kept details of her romantic life private.

Children (Son and Daughter)

Dini Petty has two children:

● Son: Nicholas

● Daughter: Samantha

Notably:

● A documentary once followed her pregnancy and the birth of her son, Nicholas

● She has spoken about balancing motherhood with a demanding media career

Family Life

Dini Petty’s family life has been an important part of her story:

● Raised her children while building a national television career

● Maintained a relatively private personal life despite public fame

● Has often emphasized resilience and independence

Personal Life and Interests

Outside of broadcasting, Dini Petty:

● Has been involved in charity and advocacy work

● Became an entrepreneur later in life

● Continues to make public appearances and speaking engagements

Conclusion

Dini Petty remains a trailblazer in Canadian broadcasting, from piloting helicopters in a pink jumpsuit to hosting one of the country’s most successful talk shows. Her career reflects innovation, resilience, and a lasting impact on Canadian media.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many kids does Dini Petty have?

Dini Petty has two children—a son named Nicholas and a daughter named Samantha.

2. What was Dini Petty famous for?

Dini Petty was famous as a Canadian television and radio host, particularly for hosting The Dini Petty Show (1989–1999) and CityLine. She became one of Canada’s most recognizable talk show personalities.

3. What is the new show with Dini Petty?

Dini Petty returned to television with “Trailblazing Talks”, a 2025 special featuring interviews and conversations with notable figures, airing on The News Forum.

4. Was Dini Petty a pilot?

Yes. Dini Petty was a helicopter pilot and became the first female traffic reporter to pilot her own helicopter while working in radio. She logged about 5,000 hours of flight time.