Michael Kelcourse, who stole fans’ hearts while working as Patricia Altschul’s butler on “Southern Charm,” died on Tuesday. He was 71.
Kelcourse’s close friend, Luzanne Otte, announced Wednesday via his CaringBridge website that he had died from “complications related to a spinal cord injury and stroke” in Sarasota, Fla.
The former butler’s health issues began in February 2021 when he suffered an acute spinal cord stroke that “caused significant nerve damage and impairment.”
“In the years following Michael’s February 2021 spinal stroke, he remained extraordinarily good natured about the cruel twist of fate,” Otte continued writing. “As hope of recovery dwindled here, Michael focused on blessings there. A profound inspiration for all who crossed his path.”
Kelcourse was then handed an “unending stream of medical complications related to spinal cord injury” and was later checked into hospice care in June.
“Osteomyelitis (bone infection) symptoms had taken a toll and readied Michael to embrace death as his next great adventure,” Otte wrote.
Kelcourse’s health worsened in early October when he suffered a “debilitating stroke” that “paralyzed his right side and without the ability to speak.”
He spent his final days enjoying one of the delicacies he loved the most and frequently served to Altschul: caviar.
“When I implored Michael to tell me what he needed to feel supported in this transition, he replied, ‘Send caviar.’ Last night, Pat and I exchanged happy memories of Michael (AKA ‘the most stable relationship I’ve ever had,’ joking about her longest marriage being 15 years and spending 18 years with Michael),” Otte confessed.
“In Michael’s final week, he was surrounded by loved ones reading the kind words written by hundreds of beloved fans in birthday cards,” Otte concluded. “Thank you to all who took the time to raise him up in prayer and kindness. What greater gift than to die knowing you are loved and your life will be remembered.”
After Otte announced Kelcourse’s death, Altschul took to Instagram to mourn her “beloved Michael.”
“More than just a devoted butler, he was a trusted friend, confidant, and member of our family for over 20 years,” she captioned a photo of Kelcourse holding one of his signature martinis on a tray.
Altschul expressed her gratitude for “Southern Charm” because Kelcourse was able to show his “humor and kindness” that “quickly made him a fan favorite” in the Bravo community.
“Over the past two weeks, he was deeply touched by the incredible number of cards and well-wishes from fans,” she continued. “I’ve been told there were hundreds, and they brought him immense joy during his final days.”
The “Southern Charm” matriarch concluded her post by writing, “I will be devoting this week to remembering Michael. I know he meant so much to so many of you, as he did to us. He will be greatly missed.”
Thousands of fans took to Altschul’s Instagram post to express their condolences and rave about their love and admiration for Kelcourse.