Dame Esther Rantzen left a goodbye message in which she poignantly said, “all good things must come to an end,” before her death at the age of 86.
On Wednesday, her family announced her death in a statement, in which they paid tribute to the “most wonderful mother” and “cherished grandmother” who will be remembered for her “endless capacity for joy”.
She died surrounded by family at her home in the New Forest, a spokesperson confirmed.
Diagnosis and farewell letter
The veteran TV presenter, known for shows such as That’s Life!, was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2023. Months later, she revealed that it had reached stage four.
In an emotional letter released following her death, Dame Esther told her family, friends and fans that she would “see you on the other side”.
She wrote: "Dear Everybody, I am so sorry I cannot send you each individual thanks for the fun, the support and the help you have been to me.
“I have been immensely lucky in the friendship and the professional advice I have had from you which has enabled me to live such a long and happy life.
“If any of you would like to donate something to charity in my name as a celebration of what we have had together, I do know that the Dignitas charity in Switzerland is facing serious challenges and would be very grateful.
“And the Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington has also been wonderful to me. And Cathy would like me to pay tribute to Cats Protection of course.
“Sadly, all good things come to an end, as they say. So I particularly wanted to say goodbye and thank you so very, very much. Perhaps I will see you eventually, on the other side. I do hope so. With very good wishes, as ever, Esther.”
Career and legacy
Dame Esther shot to fame as the face of the hugely popular BBC consumer affairs show That’s Life!, which she hosted for 21 years from 1973 to 1994. She went on establish Childline in 1986, which provides counselling services for young people, and The Silver Line in 2012, which aims to tackle loneliness in older people.
She was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting in 1991, a CBE for services to children in 2006, and in the 2015 New Years Honours was made a Dame in recognition of her charity work.
Later years and assisted dying campaign
Dame Esther also appeared on the second series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, partnering Anton Du Beke, where she made it to week three.
In her later years, she became a prominent voice in the attempt to legalise assisted dying in England and Wales in recent years, and branded it a “tragic day” when the assisted dying Bill fell.
