What illness did Michael Parkinson have?
THE family of Sir Michael Parkinson confirmed that the legendary broadcaster passed away at the age of 88.
The late star, known for interviewing some of the biggest celebrities in the world, had been open about his health issues in the past.
Who was Sir Michael Parkinson?
Sir Michael Parkinson was a television presenter, broadcaster, journalist and author.
He was best known for his talk show Parkinson which aired from 1971 to 1982, and then from 1998 to 2007.
The star was born on March 28, 1935 near Barnsley in South Yorkshire, England.
Parkinson began his journalism career working on local newspapers and moved into television in the 1960s.
He married Mary Agnes Heneghan in 1959 and the couple went on to welcome three children together.
Parkinson died on August 16, 2023, at the age of 88.
What illness did Sir Michael Parkinson have?
At the time of writing, Parkinson’s cause of death has not been confirmed but his family did announce his passing in a statement.
On August 17, 2023 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.”
The star overcame a battle with prostate cancer after being diagnosed with the disease in 2013.
He gave an interview at the time of his diagnosis saying that the illness had come as a “great shock”.
Parkinson told the Press Association in 2013: “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.
At the time, he was praised for speaking out about his prostate cancer diagnosis and raising awareness of the condition.
Then, in 2017, Michael had to learn how to walk again after undergoing surgery to correct two ruptured discs in his spine.
He told the Sunday Mirror that same year: “I’ve been ill for the last five years.
“I’ve overcome prostate cancer, but it’s been a difficult period of my life.
“And my spinal operation has involved a long and unpleasant recovery.”
He added: “But in many ways what gets me through is the thought of not becoming redundant.
“I don’t want to be on the waste heap – and that more than anything else is the best motivation for anyone growing old.”
While discussing his experience of learning to walk again, the star said: “I’m still not too great on my feet but I can stagger around and do my work and there is nothing wrong with the mind.”