Michael Parkinson’s cause of death revealed as his son reflects on his father’s ‘incredible’ life

The world was saddened when beloved British broadcaster, Sir Michael Parkinson, passed away at the age of 88 on August 16, 2023.

Parkinson’s remarkable career spanned decades, earning him a special place in the hearts of millions.

As millions of adoring fans across the globe continue to mourn his loss, it can now be revealed that Parkinson died of”frailty of old age”, according to his death certificate as reported by The Mirror.

His son, Mike Parkinson, registered the death on August 18 at Maidenhead Town Hall.

Mike recently opened up about some of the treasured memories he holds of his father while reflecting on the outpouring of tributes that followed his passing from an adoring public.

“We didn’t expect the kind of outpouring, we didn’t expect what happened. I mean, not just here but in Australia,” he told BBC Breakfast.

“I mean, Australia, there was a golf course he used to be a member of and they put the flag at half mast. Remarkable kind of gestures like that.

“And I have said previously that it’s a very difficult situation to be in as a family because you do actually feel that you should step back for a while and just let the public mourn the man that they lost in the sense that you don’t want to almost step on their toes because they had a particular relationship with him, either through television, radio, through print.

“And in a sense they’re mourning a different person and so we have to, in a sense, keep out what we were mourning and keep it separate and allow that to subside before we’re really able to as a family come together and remember him as a dad and as a husband of 64 years.”

Mike had the privilege of working alongside his father for many years, revealing that he was “incredible to sit with”.

“One thing about him was he never stopped seeking perfection. He never stopped questioning what he was doing, whether it was right, whether it was correct,” he said.

“And he was demanding of anyone who worked with him. He surrounded himself with people who were talented, people who were gifted and in the end, that was what was most fascinating for me to work with him.”

Mike’s moving reflections come 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.

One such life he touched was that of Beatles legend Paul McCartney who honoured his “good friend” with a touching tribute that left fans deeply moved.

To honour their long 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.”

 

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