TV icon Bert Newton took his last breath on Saturday night, following months of ill health for the 83-year-old.
WATCH BELOW: Julia Morris Bert Newton Tribute
The sad news of his passing rocked the nation after it was confirmed on Saturday, October 30.
The beloved star had been battling ill health for some time and had his leg amputated earlier this year following complications from an infected toe.
He is survived by wife Patti Newton and their two children, Lauren and Matthew, with Patti having just spoken out over his “devastating” death.
She also revealed that it was a difficult road to recovery for Bert, who was affected “pretty badly” by having his leg amputated.
As the nation mourns his death, Bert will be farewelled with a state funeral, Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed.
“Bert Newton was an icon, a larrikin and a born entertainer,” Mr Andews said in a statement. “We have never known TV without Bert – he was there from the beginning.”
He went on to add: “From black and white to colour – as TV changed, Bert endured. He lived his life on the silver screen – and we welcomed his wit and humour into our homes.”
Bert boasted a lengthy broadcasting career and never formally retired, hosting the TV WEEK Logie Awards as recently as 2018.
Mr Andrews also said that his thoughts and prayers were with Bert’s wife of almost 50 years, Patti, and their family.
“We will all have an opportunity to honour his memory, his talent and his achievements at a state funeral,” he said.
“Bert will live on in the memories of an entire generation.”
Further details on the funeral were also shared by Australian entertainment journalist Peter Ford, who is a close friend of the family.
Appearing on The Morning Show, Peter explained that Patti had met with representatives from the Premier’s office to discuss the arrangements for the funeral.
“I think what Patti was very determined to do was to try and find that middle ground between it being a religious service, a mass, but also have the show business element as well,” he said.
The service will not be televised but instead will be live-streamed, and it will be held next week at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne on Friday, November 12 at 10am.
Peter also confirmed that Bert and Patti’s son Matthew will not be in attendance, but instead he will compose a message that will be read on the day.
Since the moment the news broke of his tragic death, tributes have flowed for the beloved entertainer, with Patti speaking out over her late husband’s final moments.
“It’s very, very devastating. All our hearts are breaking because he was just the most wonderful man,” she told reporters outside of the family home on Sunday.
“We have to just make sure that the love he gave us stays with us forever,” she said.
Bert’s funeral will be live-streamed on Friday, November 12 at 10am, with more details on where to watch it here.
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