Veteran British broadcaster, Sir Michael Parkinson, has passed away at the age of 88 after a brief illness.
In a statement, his family said the much-loved interviewer had died at home on Wednesday.
“After a brief illness, Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” the statement read.
“The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
The acclaimed journalist – affectionately known as ‘Parky’ – presented his ‘Parkinson’ TV talk show from 1971 to 1982, before returning to the air again from 1998 to 2007.
He was made a CBE in 2000 and knighted in 2008.
BBC boss, Tim Davie, described Sir Michael as “truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed”.
“Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed,” Mr Davie said.
“He interviewed the biggest stars of the 20th Century and did so in a way that enthralled the public. Michael was not only brilliant at asking questions, he was also a wonderful listener.”
He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Mary, their three sons, and eight grandchildren.
