A tribute to the late Bert Newton delivered by his wife Patti became one of the most emotional moments of the 2022 Logies broadcast.
Bert, who won four Gold Logies, hosted the event 19 times and was responsible for some of the Logies’ most memorable moments, died on October 30, 2021, aged 83.
Patti, 77, tells TV WEEK she was determined to do her husband proud – despite feeling “emotional and nervous” on the night.
“It was from the heart, and I said all the things I felt Bert wanted me to say,” she says. “It was overwhelming, really. But I wanted to do him proud, so I didn’t want to mess it up.”
Patti’s heartfelt tribute concluded with the unveiling of the newly renamed Bert Newton Award For Most Popular Presenter.
“I think he’d love that – because the one thing he never wanted was to be forgotten,” Patti explains.
“I’m filled with honour that the award will be there forever. He’ll always be a part of the Logies.”
As stoic and composed as Patti was on stage, the entertainer admits the months since the TV legend’s passing last October have been “tough”.
“Everyone goes through it, which is part of life, I suppose,” she says.
Patti credits her daughter Lauren, along with her six grandchildren, for keeping her “busy”.
“Because I spend such a lot of time with them and I’m part of their lives, it keeps me busy,” Patti says.
“But I’ll always have that feeling that a part of me is missing, because Bert has been the love of my life, all my life. I’m just hoping I’ll come through the other side.”