Sir ’s close friend has revealed he rung the legendary talk show host just yesterday to ‘say goodbye’.
It was confirmed today, Thursday August 17, that Sir Michael had
A 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.’
retired cricket umpire Bird revealed he rung Sir Michael just yesterday.
Calling into The Jeremy Vine Show, Bird, 90, said: ‘We spoke yesterday morning and we said our goodbyes because he hasn’t been well.
‘We said our goodbyes yesterday morning to each other, he’s been my closest friend and we’ve been friends since we were schoolboys.’
Bird went on: ‘He came to my 90th birthday which has just gone in April, he came all the way, he wasn’t well, he came all the way from Bray, where he lived just to be with me and to pay tribute on my 90th birthday.
‘I’ve lost a great friend, my closest friend and my dearest friend.
‘We spoke yesterday morning because we knew it was getting to the end and we said our goodbyes.’
Paying tribute to Sir Michael, he went on: ‘I just remember him as my close friend. A friend who was so dear to me.
‘I had any difficulties, any problems in life, the first man I used to ring was Sir Michael Parkinson.
‘Parky was such a dear friend to me and my condolences goes out to Mary his wife and his lads.
‘He will always be in my thoughts as long as I live.’
Breaking down into tears, Bird added: ‘He was sad yesterday morning as we said our goodbyes to each other.
‘He was very sad, because we were so close.
‘There will never be another chat show host like Parkinson, he was the best.’
He concluded: ‘To me Parky was a great legend, and he lives in the thoughts of everybody as long as there is life.’
, where they were photographed together at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium.
Several snaps taken on the day showed Sir Michael smiling during the festivities, while he also looked as sharp as ever in a black trouser and navy blazer outfit combo.
