Paul Henry’s beloved mother Olive, who he often described as his “best friend,” has died this week aged 86.
A representative of the TV presenter took to his official Facebook account to share the sad news, writing:
“After a long illness, Paul Henry’s lovely Mum Olive Mary Christine Hopes has passed away this afternoon.
“Paul and Olive had a truly remarkable bond. He inherited her cheeky and mischievous nature – and they completely and utterly adored each other. The audience of all of Paul’s shows knew her as a real character and the interactions between mother and son were just so enjoyable – Paul loved teasing Olive… and Olive loved him doing it.
Watch Paul’s Henry’s tribute to his late mother in the video below. Story continues after the video.
“Paul would often speak about her being in the “home for the bewildered” and make fun of her playing bocce. Olive would take everything in good humour – giggling with her contagious laugh and pretending to tell him off in her with cries of “Oh Paul”, her voice bursting with pride.
New Zealanders really fell in love with Olive when she decided to leap off the Sky Tower to mark her 79th birthday. Of course, her son documented it on television. As Paul said, she took 79 years to show her daredevil side – and the audience was just in awe of her adventurous spirit.
Olive wasn’t just Paul’s mum – she was also his best friend and loved him unconditionally. Olive will be dearly missed by Paul and his three daughters, Lucy, Sophie and Bella, who were exceptionally close to their Nan.”
In an interview with New Zealand Woman’s Weekly back in 2013, Paul and Olive opened up about their special bond – with Paul telling writers that he got his sense of humour from his beloved mother.
Speaking of his mum at the time, Paul told the Weekly: “I do adore her. And I’m very proud… oh, you know that Mum. I’ve told you that a million times.”
This story originally appeared on Women’s Weekly
In an official statement posted to Paul’s Facebook page today, a representative wrote that “Olive will be dearly missed by Paul and his three daughters, Lucy, Sophie and Bella, who were exceptionally close to their Nan.”
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