The 83-year-old’s death comes after a long health battle, with Newton having his leg amputated earlier this year due to a life threatening infection.The veteran performer died while undergoing palliative care at a private clinic in Melbourne.Journalist Peter Ford told news.com.au that Patti Newton, Bert’s beloved wife of 46 years, asked him to confirm the sad news on his family’s behalf.RELATED: Bert Newton’s incredible TV careerBert Newton has died aged 83. Picture: David Caird“I have very sad news,” Ford tweeted on Saturday evening.“Showbiz icon Bert Newton has died at age 83. It was remarkable career on TV, stage & radio. Sadly he didn’t get the last chapter he deserved. He was a great mentor & friend to me. Condolences to Patti, Lauren, Matthew & extended family.”Tributes quickly began flowing in for the beloved Aussie icon.Aussie singer and Today Extra host, David Campbell said Newton would be remembered as the “ultimate showman.“The end of an era. RIP Bert Newton. We all grew up with him. He loved this industry and supported so many of us,” he wrote on Facebook.“My thoughts go out to Patti and his kids. Thank you Bert. I was just a young singer and he always had me on his show. It was an absolute honour.”Health Minister Greg Hunt said the 83-year-old was “part of the very fabric of our television landscape”.Custom HTMLCustom HTMLTributes have been flowing in for Newton. Picture: InstagramComedian Adam Hills said Australian TV “won’t be the same without Bert”.“It’s up to us all to take what he taught us, and keep his spirit alive. Enormous love to his family. Take a bow, Bert. You deserve the applause,” he wrote.Nine’s Director of Television, Michael Healy, said Newton was a “giant of our industry” who entertained generations of Australians.“He brought unbridled joy and laughter into our homes as part of so many programs, partnerships & formats,” Mr Healy said in a statement.Custom HTMLCustom HTMLAustralian TV presenter, Jo Beth Taylor, said she would “cherish the times” she and Newton spent together.Custom HTMLNetwork 10’s Entertainment Editor and Studio 10 co-host, Angela Bishop, said he was “truly irreplaceable”.“What a loss. There was no one quite like the great Bert Newton. To have lost him at 83 is still too soon, because he’s truly irreplaceable. Brilliant, cheeky, generous, kind,” she wrote on Twitter.“Sending deepest condolences to his beloved Patti, Lauren, Matthew and his treasured grandkids. Vale.”Labor Leader Anthony Albanese said Australia had “lost an icon”.“Vale Bert Newton. My heart goes out to his family who have lost a husband, a father and friend. And to Australia who have lost an icon,” he said.Custom HTMLCustom HTML
Source: Sun Herald
