Michael Kelcourse, famous as Patricia Altschul’s butler on the reality show “Southern Charm” for over a decade, died on Tuesday in Sarasota, Florida, aged 71.

Luzanne Otte, a close friend, reported Kelcourse’s demise on his Caring Bridge website. She attributed his death to complications from a spinal cord injury and stroke, according to her statement.

After suffering an acute spinal cord stroke in February 2021 that resulted in paralysis from the chest downwards, Kelcourse retired from the show and relocated to a Florida-based assisted living facility.

In early October, Kelcourse had a second stroke that led to partial paralysis on his right side and loss of speech. However, his cognitive abilities and left-hand functioning remained unaffected.

Despite health issues, his bond with Patricia Altschul, his employer in Charleston, South Carolina, remained intact. Altschul visited Kelcourse in Florida last December and posted pictures of their meeting on social media.

Kelcourse, who turned 71 on October 13, spent his last days in the company of loved ones who read him birthday greetings and messages from numerous fans.

Despite his health issues, Kelcourse maintained a positive outlook, with his mood only dipping when he entered hospice care in June.

In the coming weeks, Altschul and other close associates plan to honor Kelcourse by sharing memories of him on social media. His final Instagram post from October 2023 has evolved into a virtual memorial, with fans continuing to express their condolences.

“Southern Charm”, an American reality television series, premiered on Bravo on March 3, 2014. It follows the lives of several Charleston, South Carolina socialites as they balance personal and professional challenges while upholding their family reputations.