Rove McManus has suffered a heartbreaking family tragedy, revealing that his beloved dog has died. The veteran presenter, 52, shared a poignant gallery of photos on social media on Sunday, featuring precious moments with his pooch during happier times.
Heartbreaking Announcement
'Been sitting on this sad news for a while, wasn't ready to share. Two weeks ago, ten minutes before doors opened on my Melbourne Comedy Festival run, I received the devastating news that our dog Holly had tragically passed away,' Rove began. 'But the show must go on, as they say. She was a sweet, clever, loving, goofball of a dog who at age 8 was taken from us far too soon... made all the more painful that we weren't there to say goodbye. Our hearts are broken and we still miss her terribly. Rest well, beautiful girl.'
Outpouring of Support
Many of Rove's celebrity friends offered their condolences in the comments. US singer Pink wrote, 'Noooo buddy. I'm so sorry.' Australian comedian Peter Helliar added, 'It's just fkn horrible. Love to you and Tas & Ruby.' Bindi Irwin chimed in: 'She's so beautiful. Sending the biggest hugs from our entire family. So sorry for your loss.' Larry Emdur wrote, 'Ohhhh mate, sorry to hear that. Lots of love to you all,' while Home and Away veteran Sam Frost posted a broken heart emoji.
Rove's Career and Personal Life
The three-time Gold Logie winner first rose to fame as the host of the Rove Tonight show, which debuted on Channel Nine in 1999. After the network axed the show, Rove found success at Channel 10, where his self-titled talk show ran for a decade. Around that time, he met his first wife, Belinda Emmett, an actress known for her role on Home and Away. Tragically, Belinda passed away from breast cancer in November 2006 at the age of 32, just 18 months after marrying Rove.
Following his wife's death, Rove took time out from the public eye but returned to TV the following year. He later found love again with actress Tasma Walton, whom he married in 2009. The couple are parents to daughter Ruby, 12. Rove has won three Gold Logies for most popular personality on Australian screens in 2003, 2004, and 2005, all during his tenure on Channel Ten's Rove Live, which ran from 1999 to 2009.
