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Michael Kelcourse, who is best known as Patricia Altschul‘s trusty butler in Southern Charm, has died. He was 71.
Kelcourse’s friend Luzanne Ott confirmed the news on CaringBridge, a nonprofit organization that connects patients, caregivers and loved ones through its online platform, revealing that he died from “complications related to a spinal cord injury and stroke” on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Altschul released a heartfelt tribute for Kelcourse on her Instagram page.
“More than just a devoted butler, he was a trusted friend, confidant, and member of our family for over 20 years,” she wrote.
“Michael’s time on Southern Charm endeared him to many, as his humor and kindness quickly made him a fan favorite,” she continued. “Over the past two weeks, he was deeply touched by the incredible number of cards and well-wishes from fans. I’ve been told there were hundreds, and they brought him immense joy during his final days.”
Altschul concluded, “I will be devoting this week to remembering Michael. I know he meant so much to so many of you, as he did to us. He will be greatly missed.
Kelcourse first suffered an acute spinal cord stroke in 2021, which left him paralyzed from the chest down and no longer able to make Alschul his famed martinis as he went to live in an assisted living facility in Florida.
“In the years following Michael’s February 2021 spinal stroke, he remained extraordinarily good-natured about the cruel twist of fate,” Ott wrote on CaringBridge. “As hope of recovery dwindled here, Michael focused on blessings there. A profound inspiration for all who crossed his path.”
It wasn’t until he was put on hospice care in June 2024 that his spirits were down, according to Ott. Altschul revealed on Instagram that Kelcourse suffered another stroke earlier this month, which paralyzed his right side and left him unable to speak. The Southern Charm matriarch encouraged fans to send Kelcourse cards ahead of his birthday on Oct. 13 — and they did.
“In Michael’s final week, he was surrounded by loved ones reading the kind words written by hundreds of beloved fans in birthday cards,” Ott wrote.
Despite the circumstances, Kelcourse — who appeared on Southern Charm until its eighth season — was adamant that he still receive his caviar.
“When I implored Michael to tell me what he needed to feel supported in this transition, he replied, ‘Send caviar,'” Ott remembered. “Last night, Pat and I exchanged happy memories of Michael (AKA ‘the most stable relationship I’ve ever had,’ joking about her longest marriage being 15 years and spending 18 years with Michael). Apparently, Pat received a caviar SOS, too. Bless.”
