Scottish television presenter Lorraine Kelly has been left devastated after her 83-year-old father, John Kelly, died suddenly on January 8 following a fall at his home in East Kilbride. Police confirmed he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The much-loved broadcaster, 66, who has been a fixture on British morning television for over 35 years, shared the news in an emotional statement posted to her social media on January 9.

“My darling dad passed away yesterday. He was 83 and had a fall at home. He was pronounced dead at the scene. We are all heartbroken,” Kelly wrote. “He was the kindest, gentlest man who loved his family more than anything. He was so proud of us all and we were so proud of him. He was our rock.”

John Kelly, a former printer and trade unionist, was widely known among Lorraine’s millions of viewers as “Dad” — the warm, funny, down-to-earth figure she frequently mentioned on air. He and Lorraine’s mother Anne were fixtures in her stories, often appearing in anecdotes about growing up in a working-class Glasgow family.

Police Scotland attended the address after receiving a call from a family member shortly after 11 a.m. on January 8. A spokesperson confirmed: “Officers attended a report of a sudden death at a property in East Kilbride. A 83-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be prepared for the Procurator Fiscal.”

The sudden nature of the death has left the family reeling. Lorraine’s husband Steve Smith and daughter Rosie, 34, were with her when she received the news. Friends say Lorraine travelled immediately to her parents’ home to be with her mother Anne, who is in her late 80s.

Tributes poured in from across the entertainment world. Fellow ITV presenters Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield and Alison Hammond posted messages of love, while Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid called John “a true gentleman who raised one of the kindest women in television.”

Fans of the presenter, who has shared her father’s health struggles and hospital visits in recent years, flooded social media with support. “Your dad was so proud of you, Lorraine. Sending all my love to you and Anne,” one viewer wrote. Another added: “He always sounded like the loveliest man. Rest in peace, John.”

John Kelly was a proud Glaswegian who worked as a printer for most of his life and was active in his local trade union. Lorraine often spoke of his dry humour, his love of football (he supported Celtic), and his unwavering support for her career — from her early days in local radio to becoming one of Britain’s most trusted morning TV voices.

The family has asked for privacy as they grieve privately. Lorraine is expected to take a short break from her presenting duties on Lorraine and ITV Weekend, though no official announcement has been made.

The sudden loss has reminded the nation of the fragility of life and the importance of family. For Lorraine Kelly — who has always worn her heart on her sleeve — the pain is deeply personal, but so is the love she shared with her father.

John Kelly will be remembered not only as a father and grandfather, but as the man who helped shape one of Britain’s most beloved broadcasters. Rest in peace.