Michael Parkinson cause of death confirmed two weeks after chat show host died

Sir Michael Parkinson died from “frailty of old age” his death certificate has confirmed. The 88-year-old legendary chat show host died ‘peacefully’ at home surrounded by his family on August 16. They released a statement at the time confirming Sir Michael had passed away after a ‘brief illness’. But no official cause of death has been given up until now. The star’s son, Michael, registered his father’s death on August 18 at Maidenhead Town Hall. Michael Parkinson cause of death confirmed (Image: BBC) Sir Michael’s son recently expressed that he and the family struggled to grieve as the nation mourned the broadcasting legend. Joining John Wilson on BBC Radio 4’s Last Word, he explained: “The difficulty with having a public figure as a father is that you feel you can’t grieve until everyone else has. “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.” Michael Parkinson cause of death confirmed (Image: BBC/GETTY) Thousands of tributes poured in for Sir Michael, with many recalling the fond memories they had after working with the TV legend. Sir Elton John was first among the former guests to pay tribute to Michael and described him as a “real icon who brought out the very best” in guests. Sir Michael Caine added he “brought the best of everyone he met”, while naturist Sir David Attenborough said he “always wanted the interviewee to shine”. Radio 4 presenter Nick Robinson penned: “He was the greatest interviewer of our age who owned Saturday night TV for year after year.” Singer Elaine Paige said: “Such very sad news that Sir Michael Parkinson has died. Have known him for many years, sang on his TV chat show and attended many events with him. “A legendary interviewer that will be remembered as the best of his profession. We will never see his like again.” BBC ‘s director-general Tim Davie, who hailed Parkinson as an ‘incredible broadcaster and journalist’ said: ‘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. Michael was truly one of a kind, an incredible broadcaster and journalist who will be hugely missed.” Sir Michael’s high-profile guests included Sir Billy Connolly, Muhammad Ali, Sir Elton John , Madonna and Dame Helen Mirren. Of the many celebrities he interviewed, Sir Michael said Ali was his favourite.