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Southern Charm's Michael Kelcourse Has Passed Away
The longtime friend and former butler of Southern Charm matriarch Patricia Altschul has died after experiencing health issues.
Michael Kelcourse, who was Patricia Altschul's longtime friend and former butler, has passed away. Fans first met Michael, affectionately known as Michael the Butler, during his time on Southern Charm before he retired from his career working for Patricia at her home in Charleston. His passing comes as Patricia recently revealed that he had suffered from another stroke weeks before he died.
The news of his passing was confirmed on a page run by CaringBridge that was created to offer updates on Michael in his journey after he first suffered from a spinal cord stoke back in 2021.
Patricia remembered Michael on Wednesday, Oct. 23 in an emotional Instagram post:
"In Loving Memory of Michael Kelcourse
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Michael, who left us yesterday morning in Sarasota. More than just a devoted butler, he was a trusted friend, confidant, and member of our family for over 20 years.
Michael’s time on Southern Charm endeared him to many, as his humor and kindness quickly made him a fan favorite. Over the past two weeks, he was deeply touched by the incredible number of cards and well-wishes from fans. I’ve been told there were hundreds, and they brought him immense joy during his final days.
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."
Patricia's son Whitney Sudler-Smith also paid tribute to Michael, writing, "RIP Michael Kelcourse, aka 'Michael the Butler,' a member of the family and a true legend. You will be missed."
Michael Kelcourse's Life and Career
Over the years, Bravo fans became more than familiar with Michael. Patricia detailed meeting her longtime employee and shared more about Michael coming to work for back in 2004 in her 2017 memoir, The Art of Southern Charm. She wrote in the book that hiring him was the "best thing I could have done."
Michael later became a fan favorite during his time on Southern Charm since the series premiered when he was introduced to viewers as Patricia's right-hand man. He served up witty banter and delicious cocktails, specifically Patricia's favorite: martinis.
Whitney opened up about Michael in an interview with The Daily Dish in 2018, saying, "Michael, he's devoted to mom. He's the nicest guy in the world. He's invaluable to my mom because he helps with her coterie of animals."
Patricia shared what it's like to have Michael in her life and their professional relationship on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2019, noting that "we respect and admire each other."
While Michael left the Altschul home in Charleston amid his health issues, he remained close to Patricia and Whitney, with both of them sharing updates on their extended family member and sharing moments from trips to visit him. Michae also made a cameo on Season 9 of Southern Charm.
