Patti & Lauren Newton 'WE'RE DOING THE BEST WE CAN'

In their first interview since the TV legend's passing, mum and daughter share how they are coping

- Jenny Brown

After Bert Newton's death, the letters kept coming, thousands and thousands of them. Friends, co-stars and fans alike, all paying tribute to the late TV icon's talent, good humour and generosity.

Some of the stories that have come out are just incredible, things even I didn't know, his widow Patti, 76, reveals, smiling bravely through her tears.

After almost 47 marriage, Patti has been surprised by the memories shared since her much-loved partner bowed out last October, aged 83.

There is the mystery of his missing Logies - one was gifted years ago to a man dying of AIDS, while others have gone walkabout, Patti has discovered. “I think a few of the Logies might have made a similar journey, been used to make somebody feel better, she says.

SPREADING JOY

But as his family attest, Bert lived to give people joy. “He was generous to a fault, really, but he loved it, reflects Patti, who is currently holidaying with daughter Lauren, son-in-law Matt Welsh and her six grandchildren.

I often used to think he spent so much money on everyone else, but now I'm so glad he did. He made such a lot of people happy.

The huge outpouring of public affection is helping the Newton clan through their loss. Even so Lauren, 42, confides, “We're falling apart, but we're doing the best we can. You have to keep going with little kids around, so it's a good distraction.

Shared memories are also comforting for the Newton family. The days when Bert, Patti and Lauren all appeared on Good Morning Australia - which premiered as The Morning Show 30 years ago in January 1992 - are especially cherished.