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Here’s Where Things Currently Stand in Patricia’s Butler Situation (VIDEO)
We have an update on what’s next for Southern Charm’s Patricia Altschul and Whitney Sudler-Smith following Michael Kelcourse's retirement.
Ever since Michael Kelcourse stopped working for Patricia Altschul several years ago following his health issues, the Southern Charm matriarch has been having a hard time filling his position following his retirement. We mean, given Patricia and Michael's history together, we're not surprised that he's irreplaceable. Her son, Whitney Sudler-Smith has helped some, but now it seems things may be changing in her home.
Does Patricia Altschul have a new butler?
According to a press release for Season 9 of Southern Charm (which is currently airing Thursdays on Bravo), well, she kind of does. “Patricia Altschul, the Grand Dame of Charleston, is back to hold court over the group with son Whitney Sudler-Smith, who finds himself somewhat relieved of his butler duties,” the press release notes.
In fact, in the Season 9 premiere — which you can start watching in the video above — fans met Patricia's new butler, Randy.
Patricia Altschul shares an update on her search for a butler
In the years since Michael stopped working for Patricia, it appears she’s had a hard time filling the special role he once occupied in her life.
Fans will recall that in Season 8 of Southern Charm, Whitney was helping his mom at home. She also employed a butler named Randy for some time.
Earlier this year, she shared on Instagram, “Even though Michael will always be irreplaceable as a member of our family and as much as I had hoped he could return, I am going to have to face the fact that I am in need of a butler… so far, I haven’t found anyone available in South Carolina so I may have to extend my search above and beyond… His are difficult shoes to fill.”
What happened to Michael the butler?
On the Season 8 premiere of Southern Charm, Patricia spoke about what it was like to learn about Michael’s medical condition (he suffered an acute spinal cord infarction, also known as a spinal cord stroke, in February 2021), noting that the news “kind of struck me in the heart.”
“I’m still shocked by the whole thing because he had been with us for 18 years,” she said. “My longest marriage lasted 15 years, so Michael is the most stable relationship I’ve ever had.”
What is Michael Kelcourse doing today?
Michael stopped working for Patricia in the wake of his health issues, and he currently lives in Florida at an assisted care facility where he is closer to his family. He shares updates on his life today via his Instagram page. His life these days includes hanging out with adorable pets, working on his recovery, and taking trips to Costco.
Still, as he recently noted in the comments of Patricia’s Instagram, he misses the family he lived with for nearly two decades. “[Eighteen] years looking after the family went by in a minute. I planned to serve the family till one of us died. But fate had a different plan,” he commented.
He previously shared a similar sentiment about working for Patricia: “I had a job I loved and a wonderful lady to work for. Her [son] kept us laughing. He has [an] amazing sense of humor.”
When does Southern Charm Season 9 air?
Southern Charm Season 9 airs Thursday at 9/8c on Bravo. Episodes will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.
Who is in the Southern Charm Season 9 cast?
Craig Conover, Austen Kroll, Shep Rose, Madison LeCroy, Venita Aspen, Olivia Flowers, Taylor Ann Green, and Leva Bonaparte are back for Southern Charm Season 9. They are joined by newcomers Jarrett Thomas, Rodrigo Reyes, and Rod Razavi.
Originally published Aug 4, 2023.
