Thanks and farewell: State funeral to be held for Bert Newton

Australian showbiz legend Bert Newton has died, aged 83.

The much-loved entertainer had been battling complications since having surgery to have his leg amputated in May.

3AW entertainment reporter Peter Ford, a long-time friend and former producer of Newton, broke the news on Saturday evening.

Premier Daniel Andrews called Patti Newton, Bert’s wife of 46 years, on Saturday night and offered a state funeral to farewell the showbiz icon.

Peter Ford says Patti had accepted and the likely venue for the funeral is St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.

Click PLAY to hear Ford’s emotional call into 3AW to break the news 

Musician and long-time friend Jade Hurley said Bert Newton was a man with unmatched talent.

Press PLAY below to hear Jade Hurley’s tribute to Bert Newton