MICHAEL Parkinson’s cause of death has been confirmed two weeks after the chat show host’s death.
The 88-year-old legend passed away “peacefully” surrounded by his family at home in Bray, Berkshire, on August 16.
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The 88-year-old legend passed away ‘peacefully’ at home on August 16 Credit: Rex
But no official cause of death was released at the time.
His death certificate now shows that he died of “age-related infirmities”, writes the Express.
His son Michael reported the death on August 18 at Maidenhead Town Hall.
He died after a short illness, eight years after being completely treated for prostate cancer.
A heartbreaking statement shared by Michael’s family read: “After a short illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night surrounded by his family. The family ask that they be given privacy and time to grieve.”
After his death, family and friends paid tribute to the TV personality.
BBC Director General Tim Davie said Parkinson was “the king of the chat show” and “an amazing broadcaster and journalist”.
He said: “He interviewed the biggest stars of the 20th century in a way that delighted the public.
“Michael was not only brilliant at asking questions, he was also a wonderful listener.
“Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be sorely missed.”
Michael said an emotional goodbye to his longtime friend Dickie Bird just hours before his death.
Dickie, 90, revealed: “I just can’t believe it. I just spoke to him on Wednesday. He was a true friend.”
Parkinson was married to Mary (87) for 64 years and the couple had three sons.
He interviewed the world’s biggest names on his eponymous show from 1971 — he once estimated he had 2,000 guests.
As an opening batsman in his youth, Parkinson once kept England star Sir Geoffrey Boycott out of his hometown Barnsley cricket team.
He had trials for Yorkshire and although he never made the first team like his two friends, the trio remained friends for life.
Sir Geoffrey, 82, remembers Parkinson as “the soul of Yorkshire”.
He said: “He was the best chat host because he listened to people.
“He never lost his roots. Michael was Yorkshire in every way.”
One of Parkinson’s most memorable shows was his 1976 interview with comedian Rod Hull and his aggressive puppet Emu.
Parkinson has interviewed Sir David Attenborough many times and said: “Michael was always friendly, always thorough, always intelligent, always a pleasure to work with, and I think that came through no matter who he was talking to. “
In one blunder in 1975, Parkinson suggested to Dame Helen Mirren, then 30, that her “equipment” prevented her from being recognized as a serious actress.
His death caused an outpouring of grief.
Writer Stephen Fry said: “I loved the man.
“Having grown up watching him interview the greats, my first appearance was incredibly exciting for me.
“Parky’s genius was that, unlike most people, he was always 100 percent himself.”
Match Of The Day’s Gary Lineker said: “A truly brilliant presenter and a wonderful interviewer.
“It was part of growing up on Saturday nights: Parkinson’s then Match of the Day. RIP Parky.”
Superstar Sir Elton John said: “Michael Parkinson was a TV legend who was one of the greats.”
Parkinson was born in 1935 in the pit village of Cudworth, South Yorks.
He left school with two O-levels and got a job as a sports score director for a local newspaper.
He did two years of military service and became the youngest captain of the British army at the age of 20.
Parkinson returned to journalism and then switched to television as a current affairs presenter and reporter for Granada in the 1960s.
American jazz singer Marion Montgomery was the first guest in 1971.
The series initially ran for 11 years and in 1998 Parky returned to the BBC for another run.
The series transferred to ITV from 2004 to 2007, and he was knighted the following year.
In total, he filmed 650 episodes over 32 years, regularly attracting nine million viewers.
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Chat legend Parky bid an emotional farewell to longtime friend Dickie Bird hours before he died aged 88Credit: Getty
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Parky’s family, including wife Mary, announced his passing Credit: PA Wire
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Millions watched Parky’s four lively conversations with boxing champion Muhammad AliCredit: BBC
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Parkinson said David Beckham or George Clooney were his ‘most beautiful’ guests Credit: BBC
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