It is with sadness that Newshub can confirm Paul Henry's mother Olive Mary Christine Hopes has died after battling health problems for a long time.
On Monday morning, Paul didn't host his show on TV3, with Ali Mau filling in and saying he was at his mother's bedside.
Sarah Bristow, executive producer of Paul Henry's morning show and colleague of his on several former shows, said he shared a "truly remarkable bond" with his mum.
"He inherited her cheeky and mischievous nature and they completely and utterly adored each other," says Ms Bristow.
"The audience of all of Paul's shows knew her as a real character and the interactions between mother and son were just so enjoyable. Paul loved teasing Olive, and Olive loved him doing it."
Paul called Olive his "best friend" in a 2013 article in NZ Women's Weekly and would often feature her on his shows.
Paul Henry and his mum Olive (NZ Women's Weekly)
"New Zealanders really fell in love with Olive when she decided to leap off the Sky Tower to mark her 79th birthday. Of course, her son documented it on television," says Ms Bristow.
"As Paul said, she took 79 years to show her daredevil side - and the audience was just in awe of her adventurous spirit."
Olive will be dearly missed by Paul and his three daughters - Lucy, Sophie and Bella, who were exceptionally close to their Nan.
Newshub.
