Paul Henry. Photo / Supplied
Paul Henry was absent yesterday for his last Monday on his own show.
Viewers were told that his mother Olive Henry was "gravely ill" by regular replacement host, Alison Mau.
It has now been confirmed via The Paul Henry Show's Facebook page that Olive has died.
"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."
View this post on InstagramBirthday kisses from my rock 😘 #mytrooper #getbetternan #loveyou #birthday #24
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"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."
Olive Mary Christine Hopes 1930-2016 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. 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 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.
Posted by The AM Show on Sunday, 11 December 2016
We've been inundated with kind words for Paul's mum Olive, who's sick in hospital. Paul wants us to pass on his thanks. He really appreciates your thoughts. (Photo credit for Australian Woman's Weekly)
Posted by The AM Show on Wednesday, 26 October 2016