Australian entertainment legend Patti Newton has publicly addressed swirling rumours about a new romance, firmly stating that her heart still belongs to her late husband, television icon Bert Newton.
Setting the Record Straight on Social Media
The 80-year-old was recently photographed in the Melbourne suburb of Camberwell looking cheerful while walking hand-in-hand with an unidentified man. The images quickly circulated on social media, prompting speculation about a potential new relationship.
Patti took to Instagram this week to directly address what she called laughable claims that she had found a replacement for Bert Newton, who died in October 2021 at age 83 after receiving palliative care in Melbourne.
She shared two images from the encounter with a clarifying comment explaining the true nature of their relationship. 'I have to laugh at these photos that popped up on social media,' Patti wrote. 'I bumped into a man that has been serving me for years at David Jones and we said a quick hello. He is apparently my new man!'
A Bond That Transcends Time
Patti concluded her social media post with a powerful declaration of enduring love for her husband of 47 years. 'There will only ever be Bert for me so they can say what they want!' she stated.
The post attracted supportive comments from friends and fellow celebrities, including former My Kitchen Rules star Ash Pollard, who wrote: 'Patti! What a classic. You can only laugh, you're right. I'm sure Bert is doing the same.'
Actor Jay Laga'aia offered humorous relief with: 'Thank God. Now can pass the baton onto someone else. Ha!!' while veteran TV presenter Jo Beth Taylor added: 'Well….. he is cute. Have to laugh Patti.'
A Stylish Outing with Daughter Lauren
During the now-viral outing, Patti cut a youthful figure alongside her daughter Lauren, 45. Her fashionable ensemble included:
- A beige P.E Nation jacket with striking animal print collar
- A navy blue top and coordinating leggings
- Blue and white sneakers
- Dark sunglasses and a chic Louis Vuitton handbag
Most poignantly, Patti wore a silver nameplate necklace bearing the name 'Bert' as a constant tribute to her late husband. Lauren also wore a similar necklace honouring her father during their mother-daughter outing.
The television matriarch appeared genuinely pleased to encounter her David Jones acquaintance, with the pair quickly reconnecting and strolling arm-in-arm through Camberwell's streets.
Bert Newton's health had declined significantly before his passing, having been hospitalised in March 2021 and undergoing leg surgery in May of that year. The surgery became necessary after a toe infection linked to his diabetes became life-threatening.
Speaking after Bert's death, Patti shared the heartbreaking moment she learned of his passing shortly after leaving his bedside. 'I left at ten past seven, and I was just pulling around to come into my drive and I get the call to say he'd taken his last breath at 7.22pm,' she recalled. 'It's very, very devastating. All our hearts are breaking because he was just the most wonderful man.'
Patti expressed her hope that Bert would be remembered as the legend he was, noting his fabulous attitude and the joy he provided until the very end. 'He was never going to give up and that's what we have to take with us,' she said. 'We have to just make sure that the love he gave us stays with us forever.'
