Molly Meldrum pays tribute to Shane Warne in rare appearance

Showbiz legend Molly Meldrum has made a rare public appearance to pay tribute to friend Shane Warne at his state funeral.

A frail Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum was part of a long list of celebrities to attend in person for the state funeral of the late, great spin king Shane Warne.

The showbiz legend made a rare public appearance on Wednesday night at the MCG to pay tribute to his friend.

Meldrum was pictured with his signature stetson hat and used a walking stick to get to his seat in the middle of the hallowed turf where Warne took so many wickets and entertained so many fans.

It was the second sombre occasion in a little over four months for Meldrum, 79, who attended the state funeral for the late Bert Newton at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne in November.

Meldrum has rarely been seen since he was injured in a fall from a ladder at his home in December, 2011.

The injury left him with a fractured skull, swelling on the brain and several broken bones.

Speaking to New Idea, Meldrum said the injury was humbling.

Molly Meldrum attends the state memorial service for former Australian cricketer Shane Warne. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“You realise that life is short,” he said.

Dozens of celebrities paid tribute to Warne on a night that the MCG renamed the Great Southern Stand in Warne’s honour. It will hereby be known as the Shane Warne Stand.

Ed Sheeran, Kylie and Dannii Minogue, Ed Sheeran, Hugh Jackman, Kelly Slater, Robbie Williams and Elton John spoke about the great man.

But the stage belonged to the Warne family.

Warne’s father Keith spoke lovingly about his son.

“Looking forward to a future without Shane is inconceivable. We do take comfort in knowing that Shane packed more in his life of 52 years, five months and 19 days than most people would in two lifetimes.

“Your mother and I can’t imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken. Thank you for all you did for us. And for being such a loving and caring son. Rest in peace, mate. Love you.”

Molly Meldrum paid tribute to his good friend. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

His brother Jason talked about the love and respect the pair shared for his brother, as well as how proud he was to be Shane’s brother.

“The impact my brother had during his remarkable life, it’s always been really difficult to comprehend,” he said.

“Although the last few weeks and the tributes and tonight has brought it all into sharp focus. Shane has connected with us all in many ways. Whether it being entertained by his amazing exploits on the cricket ground, through the time he spent and putting a smile on the face of many children, or the times he’s met you in person, made you feel special.”

And Warne’s children Summer, Jackson and Brooke fought back tears while describing the things they will miss.

“I will miss grabbing your big wrists and feeling your hands and saying that I have big fat fingers just like you,” Brooke said.

“I will miss our chats just about how big our double chins are and how big our bellies are looking especially after we’ve just eaten our body weight in cheese, pizza and pasta.

“I will miss our chats about life and about my plans and goals and I will miss hearing about all your exciting things you have planned and have coming up.

Touching words from Summer Warne. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xP9ZWZMiJG

— News Cricket (@NewsCorpCricket) March 30, 2022

“I will miss seeing how excited you get over our achievements and your achievements.”

Jackson said he had the “best dad”.

“You were the best Dad anyone could have asked for and you were my best friend.

“Time with you went way too fast. It feels just like yesterday that we were looking at each others cards playing poker, eating pizza while watching the Saints.

“You were so proud of me. Although I didn’t go down the cricket path, you didn’t mind. You just wanted the best for me.”

Summer said every day since Warne died in Thailand at the beginning of the month has been difficult.

“I really am going to miss you Dad.

“It has been exactly 26 days since you went to heaven and I miss you more than anything in the whole world.

“I would do anything just to have one more you have your cuddles and to hear your voice tell me how proud of me you were and how much you loved me.”