17 August 2023 , 10:00
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Michael Parkinson suffered "difficult" health struggles over the years before his death aged 88 after a short illness.
The British broadcaster and journalist died eight years after receiving the all clear following treatment for prostate cancer. Michael took a step back from the limelight aged 86, with only a few rare appearances in the public eye. Concerns for the celebrated interviewer came after an appearance on Lorraine, where many fans noticed his frail appearance.
At the time, one viewer said: “Bit of a shock when you haven't seen someone on the TV for a long time and then see them as an old person,” whilst others joined saying it was “horrible” to see the TV legend looking older. It comes after the TV star was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. At the time of his diagnosis, he gave an interview explaining that it had come as a “great shock,” but he was expected to make a “full recovery”.
Michael Parkinson suffered health struggles over the years (Mirrorpix)
The broadcaster died aged 88 after a short illness (Huddersfield Daily Examiner)He added: “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.” After two years of treatment, the broadcaster was given the all clear in 2015. In the same year he also became a patron of Yorkshire Cancer Research, in order to help support better diagnosis, treatment and care for those living in the region.
“When I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I was shocked. But the doctors were very positive, and I soon had a good treatment plan in place which put me at ease,“ he shared.
Michael Parkinson rare public appearance to celebrate legendary pal's birthday
Michael had to learn to walk again in 2017 after he underwent spinal surgery to correct two ruptured discs. Talking to the Sunday Mirror at the time he said: “I’ve been ill for the last five years. I’ve overcome prostate cancer, but it’s been a difficult period of my life. And my spinal operation has involved a long and unpleasant recovery.
“But in many ways what gets me through is the thought of not becoming redundant. I don’t want to be on the waste heap – and that more than anything else is the best motivation for anyone growing old.” It was a challenge for Michael to learn to walk again at the age of 82, however he reassured his fans there was “nothing wrong” with his mind.
His family confirmed the sad news of his death on Thursday in a heartbreaking statement, which read: “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.“ He was one of the country’s most legendary TV interviewers, known for doing painstaking research and asking his famous guests all the right questions.
The TV legend was the king of chat shows and carved out a television career that spanned five decades. He was best know for presenting his talk show Parkinson from 1971 to 1983. The small screen veteran’s show was revived in 1998 and ran until his retirement in 2007. Michael’s glittering career saw him interview icons such as Muhammad Ali and Sir Elton John. He is survived by his wife Mary, who he married in 1959, and their three sons.