Sir Michael Parkinson’s final public appearances before death

Sir Michael Parkinson was “in good spirits” during his final public appearances in the months before his 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.

The chat show king looked dapper in a navy checked blazer, blue shirt and black trousers as he posed for photos with Dickie.

Wilkinson (right) with Dickie Bird in April. Picture: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com/Shutterstock

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.

On May 28, at a bookshop signing at the Hay Festival. Picture: Steven May / Alamy Live News

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.

Tributes have poured in from around the world after news of the interviewer’s death broke on Thursday evening.

Elton John paid tribute on Instagram today, calling Parkinson “A TV legend who was one of the greats.”

Parkinson (centre) with Stephen Fry and Robin Williams. Picture: BBC

David Beckham shared a photo of he and wife Victoria being interviewed on Parkinson’s chat show with the message: “We say goodbye to the best … Waking up to the sad news of Michael Parkinson passing I was so lucky to not just be interviewed by Michael but to be able to spend precious time talking about football and family our 2 passions.”

British actor and comedian Stephen Fry said on Instagram: “Having grown up watching him interview greats, my first appearance on Parkinson was impossibly thrilling for me.

“The genius of Parky was that unlike most people (and most of his guests, me included) he was always 100% himself. On camera and off. ‘Authentic’ is the word I suppose.

Comedian Eddie Izzard said Parkinson was the “king of the intelligent interview”.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is republished here with permission.