The heartbroken daughter of Paul O'Grady paid a touching tribute to her TV icon dad, who died suddenly last week.
The comedian, actor and writer passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.
Paul, 67, had strong Irish heritage - his father Patrick grew up in Roscommon while his mother Mary was born in England to Irish immigrants from Louth. The family were raised in an Irish community in Merseyside and the star was known to visit Ireland several times a year.
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His daughter Sharon Mousley, 48, has expressed her sadness, saying the family are shocked by Paul's death.
Paul welcomed his daughter with 76-year-old friend Diane Jansen in 1974 and she is his only child, Mirror UK reports.
The mum-of-two told Mail Online: "What can I say? We are all devastated, I am, my mum is, everyone is. We loved him and we will miss him. We are all distraught."
Sharon was born in the 1970s when Paul was 18-years-old and was a proud father to her. He gave Sharon away on her wedding day when she swapped vows with Philip Mousley.
Paul fondly recalled Sharon’s big day, saying following the ceremony: “It was a really great day. Sharon looked fabulous and Philip is a smashing fella. They fit together like a pan and a lid. She looked like a Disney princess.”
He was also a proud grandfather as Sharon and Philip welcomed a son named Abel in 2006 and a daughter named Halo in 2009.
In his autobiography, The Devil Rides Out, Paul thought back to the day of Sharon’s arrival - and how he caused fits of laughter in the maternity ward when he went to meet her while surrounded by other new parents.
He wrote: “Diane, sitting on the bed, her face flushing a bright red to equal mine, was just as embarrassed by the situation as I was. She quickly said, 'Why don't you have a look at her?'"
Paul recalled how initially he had gone to the wrong cot and wrote how another mum had said: 'You're looking at the wrong baby, mate. That one's mine, yours is over there'.
He explained: "This went down a treat with the mums and nurses, setting them off screaming with laughter and me scuttling over to take a peep at my own child, feeling more like Carabosse than a loving father."
Paul’s sudden death was revealed by his husband, Andre Portasio, who said in a statement on Wednesday: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
His death was met with an outpouring of emotion from fans and fellow celebrities alike - with many taking to social media and the airwaves to pay tribute to him and his incredible life.
His Irish roots were also remembered, with one person writing on social media: “Had the absolute pleasure of meeting Paul O’Grady once in London, in a breakfast club around 6:30am. He was such a gent, and so proud of his Irish heritage. He will forever remain a comedy legend & all round good egg.”
Another added: “Such awfully sad news to wake-up to this morning. Paul O'Grady was such a gifted comedian and presenter and was always extremely proud of his Irish roots. His dad was from Co. Roscommon and his mother's family from Co. Louth.”
A third posted: “I hope that you are enjoying catching up with all your beloved animals in Heaven Paul O’Grady. Love from Ireland.”
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