Australian TV legend Bert Newton has died aged 83 following a lengthy struggle with ill health.
The star died on Saturday evening, seven months after he was admitted to hospital following a leg amputation.
Newton, who had been receiving palliative care at a clinic in Melbourne, is survived by his wife of 47 years Patti, two children and six grandchildren.
He had been admitted to hospital in March to have surgery on his leg following a toe infection.
Patti had told The Daily Telegraph at the time that she “felt he could not go through pain like he was going through for much longer”.
(Image: Getty Images)
She said that the day of his surgery had been a “long day and a long wait”, but that he “has so much to live for”.
“He is lucky; he has got family all around him. The grandkids mean the world to him,” she said.
Just a week ago, Newton was pictured smiling in his hospital bed as she was surrounded by his grandchildren.
Sharing the photo on Instagram, Patti wrote: “That’s what happiness is.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Fans took to Instagram to pay tribute to the TV and radio legend, with one writing: “RIP Bert. Always will be remembered as an Aussie legend..x”
While another commented: “RIP Bert thanks for everything.”
A third wrote: “Our condolence to all the family, Bert was and in our minds will always be SIMPLY THE BEST!! We will never forget the years of joy you provided to millions in Australia.”
Newton made his first ever paid radio appearance when he was just a schoolboy on Melbourne radio station 3XY in 1952, during which he was paid to do ads while dressed as a clown.
Just two years later, aged 15, he was employed as a junior announcer on 3XY and went on to present vox pop programme Melbourne Speaks in 1955.
Through the years he appeared on a number of variety shows and hosted Good Morning Australia, In Melbourne Tonight and Bert’s Family Feud.
Bert Newton dead: Australian TV legend dies aged 83 following long struggle with health
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