Paul O’Grady’s daughter Sharon Mousley says she’s ‘devastated’ after dad’s ‘unexpected’ death
She was born when O’Grady was 18
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Paul O’Grady’s daughter has shared a statement following the “unexpected” death of her father.
Sharon Mousley is the TV star’s only child, and he shared her with his friend Diane Jansen. Mousley was born in 1974 when O’Grady was 18.
O’Grady had a close relationship with Mousley up until his death, and gave her away at her wedding to husband Philip Mousley.
She also went to Buckingham Palace with her father in 2008, when he was given an MBE for services to entertainment.
On Saturday (1 April), Mousley, who has two teenage children, told Mail Online: “What can I say? We are all devastated, I am, my mum is, everyone is.
“We loved him and we will miss him. We are all distraught.”
O’Grady’s husband Andre Portasio shared the last ever photo the couple had together earlier this week.
He said in a statement on Thursday (30 March): “I much appreciate you all taking the time to reach out. I’m so very touched and I’m sure Paul would be too!’
It was Portasio who announced O’Grady’s death, stating two days earlier: “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.
O’Grady was one of the UK’s best-loved TV stars. His credits include Blankety Blank and Blind Date, which he hosted as Lily Savage, and For the Love of Dogs.
In the 2000s, he also presented his own talk show on ITV and Channel 4.
His death led to an outpouring of tributes from the world of entertainment and beyond.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments