British chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson has sadly died aged 88.
His family confirmed the news of his passing, early Thursday morning.
WATCH NOW: Sir Michael Parkinson interviews Ian Thorpe. Article continues after video.
“After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family,” an official statement read.
“The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve.”
The iconic broadcaster interviewed an estimated 2,000 of some of the world’s biggest names over his incredible career, becoming a household name in the process.
In 2007, he brought down the curtain for one final time on his talk show which first premiered in 1971.
The Director General of the BBC, Tim Davie, led the tributes.
“[Michael was] truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed.”
“Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed.”
“He interviewed the biggest stars of the 20th Century and did so in a way that enthralled the public. Michael was not only brilliant at asking questions, he was also a wonderful listener.”
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