Michael Parkinson’s cause of death confirmed as son speaks out

A statement at the time of his death suggested he died after a “brief illness” but his official cause of death has now been confirmed.

Sir Michael died from “frailty of old age” according to his death certificate, seen by Express.co.uk.

His son, Michael, registered his father’s death at Maidenhead Town Hall on 18 August.

“The difficulty with having a public figure as a father is that you feel you can't grieve until everyone else has,” he told BBC presenter John Wilson.

“It's a silly thing to say, but that's the truth - you feel that everyone else must express what they feel about him because he meant so much to them.

“He meant so much to so many people but, actually, as a family, it's hard.

“Your experience is overshadowed by noise and an outpouring that you feel almost that you have to step back from and allow that to happen, and allow that wave to subside.

“And then you, as a family, can remember him as a father, as a husband.”

Sir Michael is reported to have died at home “peacefully”.

Director-general of the BBC Tim Davie, hailed Parkinson as an “incredible broadcaster and journalist”.

“[Sir] Michael was the king of the chat show and he defined the format for all the presenters and shows that followed,” Davie added.

“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.

“Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed.”