Sir Michael Parkinson was ‘in good spirits’ in final appearances months before death at 88
SIR Michael Parkinson was “in good spirits” during his final appearances months before his death at 88.
A statement from Sir Michael‘s family today confirmed the legendary broadcaster had passed away.
In April he attended a party to celebrate cricket umpire Dickie Bird’s 90th birthday in April.
The chat show king looked dapper in a navy checked blazer, blue shirt and black trousers as he posed for photos with Dickie.
And in May he was seen at the Hay Festival bookshop signing copies of his book My Sporting Life.
Sir Michael’s cause of death has not been confirmed but his family did announce his passing in a statement.
They said: “After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.
“The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
Back in 2013 the star overcame a battle with cancer.
He gave an interview at the time of his diagnosis saying that the illness had come as a “great shock”.
Sir Michael said: “The cancer specialist said: ‘I will assure you, you will not die of this. I am concerned about it, of course, but I am not frightened of it.”
The presenter was given the all clear in 2015 after two years of treatment.
During a career that spanned seven decades he sat down with 2,000 celebrity guests after becoming a pioneer of the one-on-one interview format.