Australia television legend Bert Newton is remaining positive following life-saving leg amputation surgery over the weekend.
Speaking to Today, close family friends Rhonda Burchmore and Red Symons said Newton was maintaining his humorous outlook on life.
“I mean I was as shocked as anyone yesterday when I heard the news,” Burchmore said.
“He is cracking jokes, apparently, with all the medical staff.
“He has been in my life and been such a mentor and support for so many people through all the years.
“I am sure if anyone can kind of move on and do incredible things he will.”
The 82-year-old entertainment icon, who is diabetic, has suffered numerous health issues after undergoing a quadruple heart bypass surgery in 2012.
Newton has also suffered through several bouts of pneumonia over the last few years.
Burchmore and Symons said the family still has hopes Newton will be able to continue his career.
“I guess moving forward, we hope that he is able to come back and work. If he doesn’t what a massive body of work that he has,” Symons said.
His wife, Patti Newton yesterday told reporters her husband was “in really good spirits.”
“He’s got a big journey ahead of him, as we all have,” she said.
“But you know Bert, onward and upward. I’m sure he will be fine, we are hoping anyway.”
This content first appear on 9news