Heartbroken Gabby Logan has shared a statement on social media after the death of her father, Terry Yorath.
The presenter, 52, and her siblings announced on Thursday morning that her dad Terry had died at the age of 75 after a short illness.
Taking to Instagram to share a series of photos of Terry in his younth, Gabby said her ‘heart is broken’ by the loss.
She wrote: ‘Rest in peace Dad. Our hearts are broken your love and legacy lives on.’
Gabby was forced to leave Match of the Day mid-show after being informed of a family emergency on Wednesday evening, hours before the family’s announcement.
The BBC Sport host left midway through the Premier League highlights programme, with her co-host, Mark Chapman, stepping in as a replacement, who explained that she had departed due to a ‘family emergency’.
Heartbroken Gabby Loganhas shared a statement on social media after the death of her father, Terry Yorath
Taking to Instagram to share a series of photos of Terry in his younth, Gabby said her ‘heart is broken’, she wrote: ‘Rest in peace Dad. Our hearts are broken your love and legacy lives on’
Chapman told viewers: ‘We’ll talk about that game [Manchester City v Brighton] in just a moment, sadly Gabby has got a family emergency which she’s had to rush off and deal with.
‘So she’s gone to do that and I’ve come from the radio to finish the show.’
Terry’s death was announced at 8.20am on Thursday, hours after Gabby was forced to leave Match of the Day mid-show.
He had three children in addition to Gabby – Louise, Jordan and Daniel, but the latter died in 1992 aged 15 from a genetic heart condition while playing football with him.
Terry’s children said in a statement: ‘To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel.’
The sporting legend was also described as a ‘devoted family man’ and a ‘loving and immensely proud grandfather to Reuben, Lois, Mila, Phoenix and Paloma’.
‘Everyone at Leeds United is devastated to learn of the passing of club legend Terry Yorath,’ his former club said in a statement. ‘Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Terry’s family, friends and former team-mates at this incredibly sad time.’
The Welsh FA added: ‘The FAW is deeply saddened to learn of Terry Yorath’s passing. The thoughts of everyone connected to the association are with Terry’s family, friends and loved ones.’
The presenter, 52, and her siblings announced on Thursday morning that her dad Terry had died at the age of 75 after a short illness
Gabby also re-shared the Leeds United, who Terry played for from 1967 and 1976, tribute with a blue and yellow heart emoji
BBC commentator Ian Dennis tweeted: ‘Thoughts with Gabby and her family. Had the pleasure of working with Terry. Remember being spellbound of his experiences coaching in Lebanon for two years.
‘He had a wicked sense of humour, I still play the trick he played on me about 20 years ago! RIP Terry.’
And former Bradford striker Dean Windass tweeted: ‘Sad news, great man and a gentleman. Thoughts go to his family RIP.’
Gabby and her husband Kenny, 53, a former Scotland rugby player, live in Buckinghamshire and have two children, twins Reuben and Lois, 20.
Reuben has followed in his father’s footsteps and plays for Sale Sharks after joining from Northampton Saints.
Gabby represented Great Britain in rhythmic gymnastics before moving into the television world.
She started presenting on Sky Sports in 1996 before moving to ITV and fronting their Champions League coverage.
Gabby joined the BBC in 2006, hosting Final Score and athletics programming including multiple Olympic Games’ – also co-hosting Sports Personality of the Year.
She was named as one of the trio of presenters to replace Gary Lineker after the veteran broadcaster called time on the role following 26 years in the chair.
