Legendary British comedian Ken Dodd has passed away at the age of 90. Earlier this year the iconic star spent six weeks in hospital battling a chest infection.
The comedy legend married his partner of forty years two days before he passed away.
Comedy legend Sir Ken Dodd dies at his Knotty Ash home aged 90 https://t.co/OgWphVBAgX
— PA Showbiz (@PAshowbiz) March 12, 2018
The 90-year-old’s publicist confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement:
“He passed away in the home that he was born in over 90 years ago. He’s never lived anywhere else. It’s absolutely amazing.
“With Ken gone, the lights have been turned out in the world of variety.
“He was a comedy legend and genius.”
He added: “He asked Anne if she wanted to marry. They got the registrar and were married in the house on Friday.
“He died two days later on Mother’s Day. Anne is obviously very upset. They had been together for 40 years.
“It’s a love story to beat them all.”
Goodnight Sir Ken Dodd.
— Stephanie Hirst (@StephanieHirst) March 12, 2018
I saw him live 5 years ago, at one of his mammoth 7 hour live shows. He was 85 then, and still at the top of his game.
A true one off. RIP Doddy. #kendodd pic.twitter.com/O71zscFv5h
Tributes have been pouring in for the iconic star. Ben Winston wrote, “So sad to hear Ken Dodd has passed away. I adored him as a kid. After writing to him asking to be a Diddy Man, he replied with a beautiful letter telling me I would always be one. I treasured that letter for years. A brilliant comic performer and a kind man.”
Tickling stick and flowers outside the Knotty Ash home of Sir Ken Dodd, who’s died at the age of 90. pic.twitter.com/K95UIEvwS6
— BBC Merseyside (@bbcmerseyside) March 12, 2018
Dara O’Brien also paid tribute to the star, “Ah, Ken Dodd has died. So happy I got to meet him once, and more importantly, saw him do one of his incredible 5 hour shows. He was an education to watch and, afterwards, at 1.30 am, he had beers with me in the dressing room and talked showbiz. A privilege, and a loss. RIP.”
We are truly saddened to hear that our lovely Patron, Sir Ken Dodd OBE, has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. A true legend and a true gentleman, he will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Kinn5wppmQ
— Hedgehog Society (@hedgehogsociety) March 12, 2018
“Shedding a few this morning... Tears ... Sir Ken Dodd... master of tickling sticks, Diddy Men and tattyfilarious comedy. Saying goodbye to my childhood,” said Carol Vorderman.
