As the world continues to mourn the loss of broadcast legend Michael Parkinson, music icon Paul McCartney has honoured his “good friend” with a touching tribute that left fans deeply moved.
Parkinson passed away on Wednesday, August 16 at the age of 88.
A statement from Parkinson’s family confirmed his passing following a brief illness.
“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.”
To honour their long-standing friendship, McCartney posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on the special role the chat show king held in his life.
“I first met Michael Parkinson in Liverpool when he and his team came to see us at the Cavern Club. He was a very likeable guy and we eventually did our first TV performances with Granada in Manchester, where Michael worked,” he wrote alongside a photo of the pair.
“Through the years I got to know him more and more, and appeared on his chat show quite a few times. He was a pleasure to talk to and we always had fun. He appeared on the front cover of ‘Band on the Run’ as one of the escaping convicts in the title song. He was very knowledgeable about many subjects and a keen sports-lover.
“I will miss him personally, as a good friend. I send all my love to his family and friends. Cheers Michael, you’re a great guy okay! – Paul x.”
McCartney’s kind words struck a chord with fans, many taking to the comments section to offer messages of condolence to McCartney while praising him for his “lovely” tribute.
“Sometimes we don’t believe in angels, but I’m glad they exist, Michael Parkison is an angel friend of yours Paul,” one fan wrote.
“Rip Michael! Sorry for the loss of your friend Paul,”
“I’m sorry for the loss of your friend. Your tribute is lovely,” wrote another.
“The amount of loss you have endured, i wish you strength and happiness always paul.”
“That’s beautiful, thank you Sir Paul.”
McCartney’s touching message comes after a flood of tributes from fans and fellow celebrities worldwide. The tributes underscore the significant mark Parkinson left on broadcasting and the lives he touched.
Parkinson’s remarkable career began shortly after his school years when he became a features writer for the Manchester Guardian and later the Daily Express in London.
In the 1960s, he stepped into television, contributing to news programs for the BBC and Granada Television in Manchester.
Between March 1966 and January 1968, Parkinson joined the team for the BBC1 daily news magazine show Twenty-Four Hours. The next year, he took charge of Granada’s Cinema, a late-night film review program, where he had his first encounter with the legendary Laurence Olivier.
By July 1971, his self-titled show, Parkinson, began on the BBC. This show became his hallmark and ran until April 1982, returning from January 1998 to December 2007.
Over his career, Parkinson interviewed around 2,000 celebrities.
In recognition of his contributions, he received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2000 Birthday Honours. He was ranked eighth in the British Film Institute’s list of the 100 Greatest British Television Programs and twentieth in ITV’s TV’s 50 Greatest Stars.
In 2008, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
Adding to his legacy, the National Portrait Gallery displayed a portrait of him by artist Jonathan Yeo in 2010, solidifying his place in British culture.