How Shane Warne took on fatherhood first as celebrities, sporting greats and fans leave tributes
Shane Warne’s secret pet name has been revealed by one of many celebrities who have paid tribute to the King of Spin. LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE
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He had a well-earned reputation as a ladies man and played up to it his whole life.
In the hours after cricket legend Shane Warne’s death was reported around the globe, some of his most ardent fans paid tribute to their “captain” on social media.
Actress Melissa George woke in Paris to the tragic news of Warne’s passing and took to Instagram to give an insight into their seemingly close relationship.
“I have just been reading through all of our hilarious, sweet, kind and very funny correspondence together over the years,” she wrote.
“You were so sweet and kind beyond words. I will miss you captain.”
Nicky Whelan, who Warne was notorious for having flirty Instagram exchanges with, said: “No-one loved life like you Shane. You were filled with so much light; this is so, so sad.”
While model Lara Worthington, who became close to Warne when she dated his close friend Michael Clarke wrote, “You were such a huge part of my life. So fiercely protective and always a gentleman.”
Pop princess Dannii Minogue, who was rumoured to have dated Warne in 2014, revealed the nickname he had for her.
“He was always lovely to my whole family. He knew that I didn’t have a clue about cricket, but he liked that. I can still hear him say, “Hey Disco, how are you.”
Fashion designer Jodhi Meares has known Warne for a number of decades and said she would “always remember your big boyish smile”,
Model Laura Csortan revealed ‘Warnie’ had recently told her he had lived a life with ‘no regrets’, and added: “I’m just waiting for someone to tell me this is a bad joke ... he can’t be gone.”
Warne also bonded with funnywoman Magda Szubanski after he made a famous cameo on her popular TV show Kath & Kim in 2007.
She wrote a fitting tribute for him, saying: “Inconceivable that a life crammed with so much genius and larrikin charm could be snuffed out so suddenly and so soon.”
DJ Havana Brown forged a strong friendship with Warne when they appeared on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! She wrote: “It’s hard to comprehend the devastating news @shanewarne23.’I know you’re still rocking and throwing the best parties in heaven.”
Another rumoured partner, model Emily Sears, was linked to Warnie in 2017 and wrote: “You were a great mate and an Aussie Legend … I don’t have words right now … my heart goes out to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
Cricketing great Sir Vivian Richards said Warne’s death left him “shocked to the core”, while former Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar said the news left him “shocked, stunned & miserable”.
“Will always treasure our on field duels & off field banter,” Tendulkar wrote.
“You always had a special place for India & Indians had a special place for you. Gone too young!”
Brian Lara – considered one of the world’s greatest batsmen of all time – said he was left “speechless’ by the shock news.
An easy target for England’s Barmy Army, co-founder and chairman Paul Burnham simply labelled Warne “Mr Cricket”.
“He was just an unbelievable character,” Burnham said.
“He had celebrities on his phone. He was Mr. Cricket. They say Mike Hussey was and all due respect to Mike but Shane Warne was Mr. Cricket.”
Those celebrities lined up yesterday to pay tribute to the father-of-three.
“I’m so saddened by the sudden death of Shane Warne. He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever,” Rolling Stone’s frontman Mick Jagger. said.
Australia’s pop princess Kylie Minogue paid tribute to “the one and only King of Spin”, while musician Ed Sheeran – still reeling from the death of music promoter Michael Gudinski a year ago – said he was left “absolutely gutted” by Warne’s passing.
“The world keeps taking incredible people away,” Sheeran said.
“I spoke to Shane on the anniversary of Michael’s (Gudinski) passing this week saying we were both raising a glass of 707 in his honour, and now this news comes out. Shane was the kindest heart, and always went above and beyond to make people feel welcome and special. Such a gentleman. He gave so many hours and years of his life to bring joy to others, and was such an amazing friend to me.
“I’ll bloody miss you mate. Absolutely gutted.”
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh – whose decision to drop Warne from a Test match in 1999 sparking a 21-year-fued between the pair – spoke of his joy of playing alongside Warne.
“So many incredible memories and moments that will never be forgotten – it was a privilege and a pleasure to play alongside you,” Waugh wrote.
Waugh’s twin brother Mark labelled Warne the “ultimate entertainer on and off the field”.
“This just unfathomable to lose another great of our cricket family,” he wrote, just days after former Aussie wicketkeeping great Rod Marsh passed away also due to a heart attack.
“Warnie was the ultimate entertainer on and off the field, never a dull moment who lived life to the fullest. Deepest condolences to his loved ones. RIP mate’.”
As news of Warne’s death ricocheted around the world, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson – currently dealing with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – spoke of his sadness.
“Totally shocked and saddened to hear about Shane Warne – a cricketing genius and one of the nicest guys you could meet, who also did a lot to help disadvantaged kids into sport,” Mr Johnson said.
Aussie Prime Minister Scott Morrison released a statement saying: “Shane was one of our greatest cricketers of all time, one of only a few that could approach the extraordinary achievements of the great Don Bradman.
“His achievements were the product of his talent, his discipline and passion for the game he loved. But Shane was more than this to Australians. Shane was one of our nation’s greatest characters. His humour, his passion, his irreverence, his approachability ensured he was loved by all. Australians loved him. We all did.
“There was none like Shane. He lived his life his way. He had his great achievements, but also his regrets. He carried them all the same way. With a cheeky smile and a zest for life.”
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese said: “Shane Warne was one of the greatest cricketers the game has known. It was a joy to watch him play. My thoughts go to the ones who loved him the most. We will miss you Warnie.”
Arguably England’s greatest ever player Ian Botham said: “I’ve lost a great friend on and off the playing field. “One of the best” my thoughts are with Jackson Summer & Brooke. RIP Warnster”.
Aussie great Adam Gilchrist, who combined with Warne for many of his international wickets, said: “Numb. The highlight of my cricketing career was to keep wicket to Warnie. Best seat in the house to watch the maestro at work. Have often felt a tad selfish, that Heals and I pretty much exclusively are the only ones who had that thrill and pleasure at Test level. Rip Warnie.”
Popular podcasters The Grade Cricketer wrote: “Utterly devastating. Thank you for the happiness you gave me, my friends and my family. You were loved. There will never be another King”.
Sir Elton John paid tribute Warne but sharing a picture of himself with Warne and ex-fiance Liz Hurley.
“A tragic day for Australian cricket,” he wrote of the passing of both Warne and Marsh.
“Shane was a magical bowler and such huge fun. They were both Australians through and through, which made them so endearing.”
Tributes also came from actors Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, and Nicky Whelan, as well as greats from other sporting codes including England Rugby coach John Terry.
Cricket fans around the world added their voices to the many tributes, remembering Warne for the joy he brought them.
“Disbelief beyond words. Hard to understand how this could be true,” reader Patrick wrote.
“You will never be forgotten”.
“Terrible news. Was in the UK when he bowled Gatting. Led the headlines of every newspaper and news service that night and the next day. It was unbelievable – he has left a legacy that wont be replicated. Rest In Peace,’” another wrote.
Reader Graham wrote: “What an enormous loss to the game, loved his commentary as much as his playing days, insightful and had the knack to read something long before anyone else. Can’t believe he is gone at 52. RIP Shane”.
MORE TRIBUTES TO SHANE WARNE
Joe Root
Growing up he was a massive idol of mine and someone you wanted to emulate.
David Warner
Two legends of our game have left us too soon. I’m lost for words, and this is extremely sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Marsh and Warne family. I just can not believe it. #rip, you will both be missed
England Cricket
One of the greatest of all-time.
A legend. A genius.
You changed Cricket.
RIP Shane Warne ️
Imran Khan
Pakistan’s prime minister and former cricket legend Imran Khan said Warne will leave behind a giant legacy.
Considered one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, Khan captained Pakistan on 48 occasions and led his country to victory at the 1992 Cricket World Cup.
“Saddened to learn of the sudden passing of cricketer Shane Warne, a bowling genius who took the art of leg spin to new heights,” Mr Khan wrote on Twitter.
“He will be missed across the cricketing world.”
Hugh Jackman
Like you all I am in shock to wake to the news that ShaneWarne had passed away. I’m grateful to have known him, and to have witnessed his once in a generation talent. My heartfelt sympathies to his family and close friends at this incredibly difficult time. Rest well Shane.
Mick Jagger
I’m so saddened by the sudden death of Shane Warne. He brought such joy to the game and was the greatest spin bowler ever.
Jemima Goldsmith (Imran Khan’s ex-wife)
Devastating, shocking news about Shane Warne. A sporting hero for so many, inc my sons. And a giant-hearted friend
Stephen Fry
Heartbroken to wake to news of the death of ShaneWarne – heart was what he was all about; a huge heart and, of course, matchlessly dazzling skill with a cricket ball. He single-handedly (wristedly) put the art of spin back where it belonged – at the top of cricket. A true great
Kumar Sangakkara
Absolutely shocked and gutted to hear about @ShaneWarne legend and friend. Just Can’t believe it.
Shane Watson
This just unfathomable to lose another great of our cricket family. Warnie was the ultimate entertainer on and off the field, never a dull moment who lived life to the fullest. Deepest condolences to his loved ones. RIP mate.”
Ian Botham
I’ve lost a great friend on and off the playing field
John Terry
RIP Shane Warne
Devastating News
My condolences and love are with your friends and family.
England’s Barmy Army co-founder and chairman Paul Burnham
He was just an unbelievable character, he had celebrities on his phone. He was Mr. Cricket. They say Mike Hussey was and all due respect to Mike but Shane Warne was Mr. Cricket.”
Jimmy Barnes
Shane Warne was a champion. One of a kind. Every time he touched a ball, Australia had a chance. But I remember him as the guy who met a my son Jackie once when Jackie was very young. Three years later he still remembered his name and made him feel special. RIP Warnie
Russell Crowe
S.K. Warne.
Woke this morning to the devastating news. Having a hard time accepting it.
Genius player.
Grand company.
Loyal friend.
Piers Morgan
Absolutely devastated to hear that @ShaneWarne has died from a heart attack aged just 52.
He was a genius cricketer, a supreme entertainer, a fantastic bloke and a great loyal friend for many years.
Just gutting news.
RIP Warnie, I loved every minute in your company.
Dale Steyn
Terribly sad day.
Worlds gana miss you Warney!
RIP
The Grade Cricketer Podcast
Utterly devastating. Thank you for the happiness you gave me, my friends and my family. You were loved. There will never be another King.
Rohit Sharma
I’m truly lost for words here, this is extremely sad. An absolute legend and champion of our game has left us. RIP Shane Warne …. still can’t believe it
WARNIE'S TAKE ON FATHERHOOD
Out of all the incredible achievements in his life, Shane Warne was most proud of the father he’d become.
He realised at times that he hadn’t been the greatest role model for his three children, but it was always evident he shared the deepest bond with Brooke, Jackson and Summer.
Jackson, or ‘Jacko’ as he liked to call him, was his best mate. The 22-year-old was his poker playing buddy, they watched TV and movies together, they went on road trips and attended events together — the most recent being the Australian Open men’s final and the twilight beach polo in St Kilda.
When Jackson competed on SAS: Australia in 2020, Shane loved watching every minute of his son’s TV debut.
“I’m so proud of him for what he did on the show,’’ Warne told the Herald Sun at the time
“For a young man to do what he did on that show with people who were older and more experienced, stronger, all those things. It’s great everyone has got a chance to see Jackson, my son who I love and have tried to help out and teach him right from wrong, manners and being polite.
“He’s just such a good young man and the public have seen what a delightful young man he is. I’m really proud of him.”
Shane used the word proud often while talking about his children.
When Summer finished year 12 at the end of 2020, he said: “I’m so proud of her to do that with all the challenges of Covid. She wants to rule the world. She’ll be doing acting, dancing, singing, something on stage.”
Brooke turned 24 in June last year. He was very protective of his eldest child and would never miss a chance to post birthday tributes for all three.
“I love you up to the sky and back and am very proud of you everyday,’’ Warne wrote about Brooke. He also added that he couldn’t be happier with the person she’d become.
Jackson is a lego loving gym junkie and although he showed a real sporting talent, he never pursued cricket due to the attention of being Shane Warne’s son.
Instead he developed his love of poker and is an accomplished player who wants to leave a legacy in the field.
“As much as I would have loved to play cricket with Jackson, even just socially, I understand the expectations on him,’’ Shane said last year.
“We’ve found poker together so the good news is poker goes to some pretty cool places that cricket didn’t.
“Luckily over the years I taught Jackson how to play. There’s a bit of a stigma that it’s back alleys and smoke but it’s actually a sport and is played all over the world.”
Jackson and Brooke featured on the documentary called Shane, which aired in cinemas earlier this year and is now on Amazon Prime.
In a frank discussion about it during the Sydney test match in January, Shane said: “I’ve been very, very lucky in my life. I’m very grateful for the life I’ve had. Had over 13 books written about my life, a stage musical and now a documentary.
“It’s the first time my children have spoken, my parents. A lot of things were hard to talk about … they know I love them very much.”
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Originally published as How Shane Warne took on fatherhood first as celebrities, sporting greats and fans leave tributes
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