Dickie Bird's final phone call to his close friend of 74 years - Sir Michael Parkinson

Dickie Bird, a close friend of Sir Michael Parkinson since they were 14 year olds in Barnsley, says that he spoke to him yesterday - and that he "knew there was something wrong with him".

The pair reminisced on growing up in Yorkshire as the sons of coal miners, and how their fathers "would have been very, very proud of us" as they both shed a few tears and cracked a few jokes.

Comedian and impressionist Rory Bremner recalled Sir Michael's career as a journalist, where his geniality, self of humour and "Yorkshire grit" made him the greatest interviewer of all time, he told Sky News.

#sirmichaelparkinson #dickiebird #yorkshire

[tillysanders]

Dickie's grief iis heartbreaking . What a wonderful beloved gentleman our Parky was. RIP Sir with love & thanks . Heartfelt deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends.

[Dungshoveleux]

74 years friendship is something to be really proud of.

[martinconnor]

Heartbreaking to see Dickie get upset over the loss of his dear and special friend. Such sad news, Michael Parkinson seemed like such a genuine and warm man. RIP Parky ❤️

[marilynrobertson]

A lovely man, so sad. Wonderful broadcaster. Dickie had me in tears, what a friendship!

[MrZanderLaw]

My Heart absolutely breaks for Dickie, What a shame putting him on TV so soon and upsetting him! He made me Cry, A LONG and Genuine Friendship, It’s Bittersweet getting to say Goodbye 👋🏼 to your Lifelong friend 💖😢 X

[keithbessant]

He was a brilliant chat show host. I don't often enjoy those kinds of interviews with other hosts, because there can be some toe-curling moments with some stars who can't stand up to the public scrutiny and attention. But there was never any of that with him. He was wonderful at putting the stars and the audience at ease.

[robinperronjones]

WOW !!!! Parky was the best of the best talk show hosts, I have watched re-run after re-run and he was the best tv professional by far, a true human in every way. What a pity he is gone.

[denised-jones]

Many years ago I worked at a hotel in the Cotswolds and Michael Parkinson and Joan Collins were working on an interview as part of a video to go with a beauty book she had brought out. He was so friendly - to everyone - all the staff and very kind. During filming breaks he would sit behind the kitchen On a grassy noll with the chefs, he was just that kind of person.

I was only 18 but on the last night there was a private dinner for everyone involved and Joan’s husband Ron Cass was there and so was Mary Parkinson. Mary looked absolutely stunning. Hardly any make up, tanned in a simple but elegant white dress. A total contrast to Joan Collins.

Michael and Mary were a lovely couple. That was 43 years ago when it could be said he was at his height in terms of fame. He didn’t show it and I never forgot that. A lovely man and a lovely lady.

[myrahouse]

Watched it tonight …my hubby had not known much of the man, he laughed he was in awe, amazed, intrigued…. He said it was like reading a great book.

[Yvonne-leju]

Watched him for decades...so sad....RIP wonderful man 🇦🇺❤️❤️

[RobertThomson-ym]

Bird and Parky were true Tykes. His emotion is typical of our type. A life long bond.

[musicman]

For many many years The Parky show for us here in the UK WAS Great Britains Saturday night...RIP Sir Michael.

[tomsmith]

True friendship between good salt of the earth men.
Michaels interviews with Peter Ustinov were legendary and are a joy to watch even now (available on YouTube).

[dotbotha]

I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed all his chats

[gleadhill]

It's heartbreaking listening to Dickie, but also very touching and lovely to hear how Parkinson really was away from the camera. A friendship as solid as that is what we all long for and to have someone as special to each other as those pair makes life that much more special! I hope Dickie knows how special he would have been to Sir Michael too!! 💖

[simonhodgett]

Two of the best at their jobs ! Never realised "Dickie"was 90 !

[jaggass]

74 yrs of knowing someone such a long time and must hurt like mad to just go like that. Dickie has lost a special friend but Parky will never be forgotten and we have your back.

[robertmcdonald]

Dickie and Michael were fortunate to have each other as real friends.
Unfortunately I don't have such a close friendship with members of my family

[lifesahike]

So sad what wonderful men and friends they are.

[sidneygreen]

Only just found out about the passing of Michael parkinson, very sad news his interviews were stuff of legends, thanks for entertaining us for years, RIP 👍