Monty Don has been flooded with support over an emotional message he delivered after suffering a heartbreaking personal loss.
The horticulturist has been on TV screens since back in 1989, when he appeared on the ITV talk show This Morning. On top of having a gardening segment, Monty landed work with the BBC and Channel 4.
Monty Don announces death of Yorkshire Terrier Patti
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday (August 25), Monty announced that his beloved Yorkshire Terrier Patti has died. Viewers will recognise Patti from her various appearances on Gardeners' World.
Sharing a picture of his late dog, Monty captioned the post: “I have sad news. Our lovely Patti died suddenly this morning after a very short illness. She was much loved, and lit up our lives. We are all heartbroken.”
Tributes from famous friends
The comments section of Monty’s post saw a host of his famous friends and followers paying tribute to Patti and sending words of support to him during his time of mourning.
Countryfile presenter Matt Baker said: “Thinking of you Monty - As I always say, the reason we love our dogs so much is because the only time they break our hearts is when they leave us.” Author Diane Shiffer added: “Ohhh she was so precious! I’m so sorry.”
TV host Rachel de Thame wrote: “So sad to read this… sweet Patti. Thinking of you and Sarah.” Journalist Nadine Baggott posted: “Sending so much love. I lost my 14 year old cat on Saturday and I’m heartbroken. Hope Ned can comfort you.”
Alan Carr commented with a heartbreak emoji: “Oh no. How awful.” Writer Lucy Siegle stated: “I’m so so sorry for you all. What a beautiful sweet dog. I loved catching glimpses of her in your garden.”
Previous losses and a wish to be buried with his dogs
The news arrives just months after Monty lost one of his older dogs, Peggy. He wrote at the time: "Peggy died yesterday. She was an old lady - a few weeks short of her 16th birthday - and went as she had lived, gently and without fuss.
"She was eccentric, quirky, infinitely gentle and loving and will be missed terribly. She is now buried in the coppice alongside Nigel and Nell and the other dogs."
Back in 2020, Monty's Golden Retriever Nigel died, with his dog Nell losing his life three years later. Monty previously claimed that he was seriously contemplating being buried with his dogs, saying: "Either I'll die with my boots on here and be buried with the dogs, which I'm half serious about. I wouldn't care at all, I'd be fine. Stick me in a hole in the copse with the dogs and I'd be happy."
