Patti Newton speaks after Bert’s death

Bert Newton’s wife, Patti, has revealed her final moments with her late husband.

Patti Newton has spoken of the family’s sadness and devastation after their beloved husband, father and grandfather, Bert, passed away in hospital on Saturday night.

Flanked by granddaughters Eva and Lola outside their Melbourne home, a heartbroken Patti said the TV legend was at peace.

“It’s very, very devastating,’’ she said, holding back tears.

“All our hearts are breaking because he was just the most wonderful man.”

Patti said she left the hospital at 7.10pm and she got a call to say Newton, 83, took his last breath at 7.22pm.

“So I missed him, but maybe he didn’t want me to be there for his last breath,’’ she said.

“He had such a fabulous attitude. And he gave us so much joy right up to the end.”

Patti said the outpouring of love had been overwhelming, adding that Newton persevered through his health troubles but “just couldn’t do it anymore”.

In May after a toe infection he had his right leg amputated below the knee and remained in hospital receiving care after suffering complications.

Bert Newton with his grandchildren, who were the ‘loves of his life’. Picture: Twitter

Bert with Patti, daughter Lauren, son-in-law Matt Welsh and his grandchildren. Picture: David Caird

“His year was not only tough health-wise, but mentally he had a lot to cope with,’’ Patti said.

Patti said her husband of 46 years made her smile with his attitude right until the end.

“All he could talk about was things that he had in mind,’’ she said. “I’d be good at that, I wonder how I’d go at doing Eddie’s show if ever he wants to take a break. And I used to laugh, because I’d think you’re 83, you’ve got one leg, how would you go up and down the stairs?

“But I love that attitude of his, he was never going to give up and that’s what we have to take with us, don’t we girls?

“We have to just make sure that the love he gave us stays with us forever.”

Patti Newtonpaid tribute to her late husband. Picture: Matrix Media Group.

Patti Newton with her grand daughter grand daughter Perla. Picture: Matrix Media Group

Patti said Eva, 12, and Lola, 9, and all of his six grandchildren were the loves of his life.

“It’s hard. It’s hard for this age group. (Our daughter) Lauren and Eva were out to dinner last night, just having a quick little girls’ meal. And I rang and poor Eva had to come, she didn’t go in, we felt that was too much for her.

“I can’t get that out of my mind, really, but I have to think that he’s at peace and he’s not in pain. Eva and Lola, both the loves of his life.

“A bit of moral support, that’s what we need.”

Patti said she received a call from Premier Daniel Andrews on Sunday morning offering a state funeral which would be an honour for the much loved pioneer.

In a statement Andrews described Newton as an “icon, a larrikin and a born entertainer” who we have never known TV without.

Tributes were piling in from former colleagues and big names around the country, who remembered Newton’s spirit and ability to make people laugh.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said “Bert could give and take a joke. He could laugh at himself, I’m sure that’s what made Australians warm to him as much as we did.”

Patti said Bert loved Melbourne where his career shone across radio, television and stage.

Affectionately nicknamed ‘Moonface’ Newton was a Logie Hall of Fame inductee and four-time Gold Logie-winning entertainer.

Bert and Patti together on Bert’s 80th birthday. Picture: David Caird

Bert and Patti on their Wedding day.

Patti takes a snip at Bert.

“I said yes to a state funeral because as I said, a little boy from North Fitzroy and having success in show business and having all these wonderful accolades go his way,’’ Patti said.

“And then a state funeral — Bert would love it. His mum and his sister, they would be so thrilled — and I’m thrilled for him.

“It’ll be very nice and it’s a wonderful gesture because he’s very Melbourne, Bert. Even though he’s worked in all different states, Melbourne was his state and his love so that was a very nice thing.”

Details of the state funeral will be released in the coming days, believed to be taking place at St Patrick’s Cathedral.