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What was Paul O’Grady’s cause of death?
Find out what Paul's husband said as the first anniversary of his passing approached
PAUL O'Grady sadly passed away on March 28, 2023, shocking and devastating his legion of fans.
The late TV legend is appearing in docuseries The life and Death of Lily Savage, which starts on March 29, 2024 — here's everything we know about how he died.
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When did Paul O'Grady pass away?
Paul O'Grady died on March 28, 2023, at the age of 67.
He was a much-loved comedian and TV personality, who first found fame as Lily Savage.
Paul was also well known for his talk shows and For The Love Of Dogs, a documentary series where he was able to share his love for canines.
He received an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours in 2008 for services to entertainment.
Paul has one daughter, Sharon, with his friend Diane Jansen, born in 1974.
He had a good relationship with his only child — even giving her away at her wedding when she married her childhood friend Philip Moseley.
The couple gave Paul a grandson called Abel, and granddaughter named Halo.
His death came just days before he was set to start a new radio show.
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The final series of For The Love of Dogs premiered on April 13, 2023, on ITV.
What was Paul O'Grady's cause of death?
Paul died from sudden cardiac arrhythmia.
This happens when a person dies from a cardiac arrest, and no obvious cause can be found.
A cardiac arrest is when the heart stops completely, unlike a heart attack where the heart speeds up to an uncontrolled rhythm.
Paul O’Grady fans in tears as late TV legend reappears on social media for his 'favourite day of the year'-
He died at home, which was revealed on his death certificate.
Paul suffered from a range of health issues during his life, including heart attacks in 2002, 2006 and 2014.
His husband Andre Portasio shared the sad news on the morning of March 29, 2023.
He said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
"I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Ahead of the first anniversary of Paul's death, Andre told the Mirror: “Suddenly, you start remembering where we were, and what we were doing together.
“It reminded me just how lucky I was to have had him in my life.”
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He added: “I wanted to be as far away from it as possible in New Zealand.
“I don’t want to be anywhere near my kitchen where I found him, and be reminded of what happened.”