Michael Kelcourse has been fighting medical issues since suffering from a devastating spinal cord “stroke” in 2021, and according to a new post on his Caring Bridge site, the fan-favorite Bravo-lebrity is entering “the final chapter of life.”
Michael— the beloved butler of Southern Charm star Patricia Altchul— has been living in a care home in Sarasota, Florida, since last year, but was regularly posting updates on his personal Instagram. In a lengthy tribute recently shared on CaringBridge, Michael’s friend Luzanne Otte praised Michael for his generous heart. While she did not go into specifics about Michael’s current health status, Luzanne did state that Michael is entering “into the final chapter of life.”
“He feels blessed and grateful to be surrounded by so much love from strangers and friends alike; a testament to a life well-lived,”she wrote.
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The new Caring Bridge update also detailed how Michael— whom Luzanne stated was “good in shouldering the burdens of others”— eventually became the one needing to accept help from people around him.
“When Michael entered a full-time care facility due to serious medical conditions related to paralysis began to take a toll on his poor body, strangers-turned-friends blessed him with random acts of kindness,” she wrote. “From Jane helping with deliveries and so much more, to a fellow resident’s daughter delivering the best osso bucco and risotto of his life from Euphemia Haye, to Trista sending cards full of sunshine from Charleston, to a California fan sending a vat of Petrossian caviar, and volunteers bringing service dogs into care facility for most critical cuddle time.”
Patricia has kept in touch with her former butler, sending him gifts that he would often post to his Instagram account. (One such gift was a pillow featuring “Miss Peaches,” one of Patricia’s dogs that Michael had a strong bond with.)
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In December 2023, Patricia finally got to visit Michael in Florida.
“First there was Covid.. then my back fracture so this is the first I’ve ever been able to spend time with Michael,” she shared on Instagram, along with a picture of her enjoying a cocktail alongside her trusted friend.
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“Seeing Mrs. A was the best medicine!” Michael wrote in the comment section of Patricia’s Instagram post.
As for Michael, his last Instagram post was in October of that year when he celebrated his 70th birthday.
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“My Michigan friends treated entire Angels dining room to Birthday cake for day after my 70 years young,” he wrote. Among those who liked his post was ‘Southern Charm’ alum Cameran Eubanks Wimberly.
Fans of ‘Southern Charm’ left encouraging comments for Michael under the new Caring Bridge post.
“There was never any doubt that Michael has always been a true gem. Sending love and hugs,” one person wrote.
“Such a sweet, kind, and loving soul,” another person commented. “Micheal’s presence on ‘Southern Charm’ truly made the show. I loved seeing the relationship between Pat, the dogs, and him. Wishing him the best during this time. His continuous positivity is a blessing and so beautiful to see. Love ya Michael! So many people love you.”
Patricia has yet to comment on the latest update on Michael.
3 Responses
Michael you are such a beloved and beautiful soul!!! So very sorry that you have had to endure such pain and suffering and I know in my heart of hearts you will be welcomed into Heaven when your journey here is done. I only know you from Southern Charm and I have not watched since your illness. Sending prayers of comforting peace. God Bless You!!!!!
I was just thinking about him the other day! This makes me sad. I loved, loved, loved Michael on the show. He seems the true that would take a bullet for anyone. Bless your heart, Michael. ❤️
So sad to hear this. Michael was the only light from Southern Charm. I know he has really been struggling since his stroke. I’m glad that he has family and friends surrounding him.