Paul Henry absent on his last Monday to be at his ill mother's side
Paul Henry was absent on the last Monday of his show to be at his ill mother's side.
Viewers who tuned in were told by regular replacement Alison Mau that Henry would not be in as his mother, Olive, was "gravely ill".
Support for the host and his mother has poured in on social media, some showing concern about whether the host will be back for his last week at all.
Mau also filled in for Henry so he could be with his mother in hospital in October.
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At the time, Henry's daughter, Bella, posted a short but sweet clip of her dad looking after his mother on Instagram.
Henry can be seen tucking Olive in and giving her tea to sip through a straw, while making sure the drink is not too hot.
Paul Henry executive producer Sarah Bristow said the show had received many messages on Monday asking where Henry was.
"It's a significant week for both Paul and the show and we've had a lot of messages asking where Paul is today," Bristow said.
"Although he wanted to be with us, it is much more important he is with his much loved mum Olive, who is gravely ill.
"On behalf of Paul and his family, we want to thank everyone for the many kind messages of support we've received this morning. Paul is exactly where he needs to be right now."
Henry's mother, who is in her 80s, has regularly appeared on Henry's TV shows over the years, becoming a fan favourite. She made a televised leap from Auckland's Sky Tower in 2009.
Henry has previously spoken out about his concerns for his mother's health before, describing her as his "best friend".
"I do adore her. And I'm very proud," Henry told the Women's Weekly, during a rare mother and son interview together in 2013.
Olive told the mag that Henry had always been a perfectionist.
"Everything has always had to be just right for Paul, even as a boy," she said. "He cares very much, even though he pretends not to about some things."
"I hate it when people say bad things about Paul - it makes me want to scream," she added. "He is very loving, very caring, and I knew he felt terrible about (leaving TVNZ). As a mum, I'm still very protective of him."
The show will air for the last time on Friday, December 16, to be replaced by The AM Show with Duncan Garner next year.
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