In the picture shared on Instagram, the Australian entertainer’s unmistakeable smile can be seen beaming from his hospital bed, surrounded by five of his grandchildren piled on the bed beside him.Patti Newton shared the image of her husband only six days before news broke Saturday night of Bert Newton’s death, which followed a leg amputation earlier this year due to a life-threatening infection.The cheerful image had attracted more than 6000 likes and hundreds of comments, including from fellow Australian entertainment icons. Rhonda Burchmore wrote: “How glorious”. And Todd McKenney said: “So beautiful. Good luck to you and Bert.”Patti had shared updates of her husband’s health battles since “serious health problems” started for the TV legend late last year with an infected toe.Bert had his leg amputated earlier this year in what was described as “a life or death decision”.After the lifesaving surgery in May, Patti shared a photo of her husband smiling in a hospital bed with youngest grandson Alby alongside him.That photo — the first time he had been seen after losing his leg — also attracted celebrity attention with Chrissie Swan writing: “So good to see that iconic face.”Kate Langbroek wrote: “Oh Bert I love you. And your love of family.” Brendan and Alex Fevola also sent their love, wishing the TV legend a “speedy recovery”.The Newtons had been open with the public about Bert’s various health setbacks over a decade of challenges, though bouts of illness hardly showed the stage and screen icon down, with gruelling live theatre appearances in shows like Wicked, Annie and Rocky Horror Picture Show.In 2011 he spent a week in hospital in 2011 after catching a viral pneumonia from his granddaughter, Eva. The illness took him out of action from his starring role in the stage musical Wicked, but the then-72-year-old said the “wake up call” hadn’t prompted any talk of retirement.He was also “rushed to hospital” after suffering another bout of pneumonia in 2017.In November 2012 Newton underwent quadruple bypass surgery having been admitted to hospital twice earlier that year.Fresh fears began for Newton last year after Patti posted a picture of him in a hospital bed to her Instagram account. But she assured fans he was “all good” despite the hospital stay: “He’s got a lot of living to do.”The veteran performer — affectionately called Moonface — 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.“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.”
Source: Sun Herald
