TV star's 'trusted friend and confidant' dies at 71 - 'He was such a sweet man'

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Michael Kelcourse, star of Bravo’s Southern Charm as sadly passed away. Michael appeared on the reality TV show alongside Patricia Altschul and Whitney Sudler-Smith. After suffering a stroke three years ago, Michael moved to Florida to be closer to his family. This October, he passed away in Sarasota at the age of 71.

Southern Charm fans grew to love Patricia’s butler, Michael, for his great sense of humor and “fatherly” nature. He referred to himself and Patricia as being like the “parents” of the cast. He was more than a member of staff to Patricia who writes that he was a “trusted friend” and “confidant” to her.

Michael Kelcourse ‘peacefully’ died

Weeks on from Patricia sharing an update on Michael’s health, the Southern Charm butler has sadly passed away. Michael suffered a second stroke this fall, per a post shared by Patricia on October 7.

Micheal celebrated his 71st birthday on October 13 and Patricia’s recent Instagram post saw her letting fans know they could “send him cards” and providing an address.

In Patricia’s most recent post, detailing Michael’s death, she said he was “touched” by the number of cards he received from fans.

OMG: Michael enjoys ‘lunching’ in Florida with Patricia

She pens: “Over the past two weeks, he was deeply touched by the incredible number of cards and well-wishes from fans. I’ve been told there were hundreds, and they brought him immense joy during his final days.”

Patricia took to IG on October 23 to share the sad news of Michael’s death: “It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Michael, who left us yesterday morning in Sarasota. More than just a devoted butler, he was a trusted friend, confidant, and member of our family for over 20 years.”

She tells of how his “humor and kindness” made him a “fan-favorite” on Southern Charm.

Patricia adds how she is “devoting this week to remembering Michael,” and tells her followers: “I know he meant so much to so many of you, as he did to us. He will be greatly missed.”

Whitney Sudler-Smith also paid tribute to Michael upon the news of his passing.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “RIP Michael Kelcourse, aka “Michael the Butler”, a member of the family and a true legend. You will be missed.”

Patricia and Michael ‘took care of each other’

Over the years on Southern Charm, Michael, and Patrcia’s bond was clear to see.

Speaking on the Southern Charm After Show six years ago, Michael said: “When she’s been ill I’ve looked after her and when I’ve been ill she’s looked after me.”

Patricia explained the “level of trust” she and Michael had, explaining how he’s “the only person she will allow to bring her coffee in the morning.”

She says: “I don’t get out of bed until 10, 11… I will not let anybody else come into my bedroom except Michael.

“I think that shows the level of trust for a woman to let another man see her the first thing in the morning.”