Sir Michael Parkinson has sadly passed away aged 88.
Parkinson's career spanned seven decades, during which time he became a household name as he interviewed some of the biggest names in the world.
Some of his guests included Muhammad Ali, Sir Elton John, and Dame Helen Mirren - amongst many others during his long career.
As per BBC News, a statement from his family read: "After a brief illness Sir Michael Parkinson passed away peacefully at home last night in the company of his family.
"The family request that they are given privacy and time to grieve."
His show, which began its journey in 1971 on BBC television, captured the hearts of millions and ran for an initial 11-year stretch, spanning hundreds of episodes.
In 2013 Parkinson disclosed that he was undergoing radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer. However, two years later he declared that he had received the all-clear from his medical team.
Parkinson was raised as the son of a miner with a love for cricket, and then with just two qualifications under his belt, he started collating sports results for a local newspaper, marking his first steps in a lifelong career in journalism.
After a two-year stint in the British army, he ventured further into the industry by taking up a position with the Manchester Guardian, later known as The Guardian. His skills soon caught the attention of the Daily Express in London, marking his transition into the world of print media.
Eventually, he answered the call to appear on television by becoming a current affairs presenter and reporter for Granada News as well as the BBC, ultimately leading to his role as the host of his much-loved show on BBC One.
Parkinson estimated that over the course of his illustrious career, he interviewed more than 2,000 guests. His warm nature, coupled with his background in journalism, provided a unique blend of warmth and incisiveness that set him apart.
The scope of his influence was further solidified through his hosting of the Sky Arts series titled Michael Parkinson: Masterclass, which aired from 2012 to 2014. His contributions were duly recognized by the British monarchy, as he was honored with a CBE in 2000 and subsequently knighted in 2008.
Our thoughts are with Parkinson's loved ones and fans during this difficult time.
