Sir Michael Parkinson on how he wanted to be remembered as chat show king dies
Four years prior to Sir Michael Parkinson's death, the former chat show star revealed how he'd like to be remembered after he died.
The broadcasting legend sadly died aged 88 on Wednesday, August 17, surrounded by his loved ones. In a statement, his family revealed he had suffered from a brief illness. His devastated relatives 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."
While he was famous for his groundbreaking interviews with the biggest celebrities and even senior members of The Royal Family, he rarely discussed his own life. But in one rare admission, Parky opened up about people remembering him after his death. Speaking to Piers Morgan on Life Stories back in 2019, he emotionally said: "I just want to be remembered as someone who had a good time, lots of good mates and wrote the odd good piece and did the odd good interview. That's enough."
Sir Michael Parkinson revealed how he wanted to be remembered just four years before his death (ITV)During the same interview, the broadcasting legend broke down in tears as he discussed the death of his dad, Jack Parkinson, who died in 1975 after a battle with lung disease pneumoconiosis – which is caused by long-term retention of dust within the lungs. He told Piers: "I'd never seen anybody I loved die and I saw my dad die, you could see him withering away. For a man as vigorous as he was, it was like watching leaves fall from a tree."
His late father was diagnosed with the condition after he inhaled coal dust. Michael and his mum Freda later brought him home to die at their family home. While becoming emotional, Michael added: "The thing that kind of nags at me like a nightmare is that two guys came to take the body away, I see the image very clearly and I thought he's got to be worth a lot more than that… carrying him out in a little plastic bag. He knew how much I loved him. I never found it difficult to say that to him – nor he to me."
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The broadcaster has sadly died aged 88 (PA)While Parkinson was loved by thousands, he previously explained he believed the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh wasn't his biggest fan. Wiring in his memoir, My Life in Sport: Memories, Moments and Declarations, he said: "I did have to chat to him once, for a charity, and it was not a success – at all."
Following the news of his death, many well-known names have taken to social media to share their condolences. GB News broadcaster Eamonn Holmes said: "Parky. King of The Chat Show Hosts. A privilege to know him on and off screen and to learn from him. They don't make them like that anymore. Rip Sir Michael Parkinson."
Gyles Brandreth tweeted: "They were chat shows, of course – but they were much (sic) more than that: they were truly engaging conversations that brought out the best in his guests. And what an array of guests. 'Parky' was one of my heroes – and a lovely guy. A privilege to have known and worked with him."
Meanwhile, Barnsley FC in his hometown said that the town and club had "lost one of its favourite sons". In a post on Twitter, they penned: "Barnsley Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Michael Parkinson CBE. The town has lost one of its favourite sons, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."
The BBC's director general, Tim Davie said: "Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed. 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. Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed."
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