Monty Don's 'huge comfort' during grief after sharing heartbreaking loss (2025)

TV gardening favourite Monty Don has left fans deeply moved after posting a touching tribute to a dear friend who recently passed away, revealing how he copes in times of difficulty

Gardeners’ World star Monty Don has opened up about the "huge comfort" he finds after the heartbreaking loss of a close friend. The 69-year-old gardening guru touched the hearts of his followers with a moving Instagram post, paying tribute to his friend Rosie who recently died.

Monty shared a breathtaking photo of a fiery sunset sky, captioning it with heartfelt words. “The end of a profoundly moving and celebratory day saying goodbye to a dear friend - all done in magnificent style. I think Rosie would have approved.”

Though he didn’t reveal more details, fans flooded to the comments with heartfelt condolences, praising his strength and sensitivity.

One wrote: “Condolences Monty. A beautiful picture for your friend.” Another added: “My sincere condolences to you, family and friends of those she touched in life. May loving memories give solace.”

The presenter has previously revealed he finds "huge comfort" in nature during times of sorrow. In a recent BBC Radio 4 interview, he discussed the therapeutic power of gardening.

“One of the things that has always moved me, and this has often been said by people who are grieving, is that the rhythm of the seasons is a huge comforter,” he explained.

“In the bleakest midwinter, you trust that spring will come, that the blossom will appear. You sow a seed and you trust that it will flower. Sometimes it doesn’t – everything is complicated and nothing is linear like that. But underneath it all, there is that rhythm of nature.

“More than ever, we need that. Everybody needs it - always and always has done.”

On Monday, Monty took to his social media account to share that he had performed at his final destination for his grand tour. He had been providing shows for An Audience with Monty Don, which began on November 1, which wrapped up over the weekend.

Back in November the star was forced to cancel his Cornwall shows due to illness. The broadcaster was scheduled to give talks in Exeter, Truro, Bath, and Nottingham when he fell ill and was rushed to A&E.

On November 26, Monty took to Instagram to explain his absence to his 1.3 million followers. In the video, he can be seen at home with his beloved dog Ned.

At the time, he said: "Hello. I am so sorry to have disappointed all those people who were going to come and see me in Exeter and Truro and Bath and Nottingham.

"But on Friday afternoon I was rushed to A and E. I was kept in at the hospital over Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and had to have drips and all the rest of it."

He added: "But I came home last night, and I'm feeling much better. I'm going to spend the next few days quietly recuperating here at home and hopefully by the weekend I'll be back to full fitness."