Sheffield comedy legend Michael Palin’s tribute to ‘valued friend’ and Monty Python co-star Terry Jones

Terry Jones died with his wife Anna by his side at home in North London from complications related to his dementia.

Jones’ prolific work with Monty Python, as a film director and as a writer of children’s books earned him a reputation as a polymath and a popular worldwide figure in comedy.

In 2015 he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia – an uncommon form of dementia which starts at a young age. It affects the front and sides of the brain, impacting on a person’s behaviour and language.

Sir Michael Palin, who went to Oxford University with Jones and went on to found Monty Python with him, stuck by his friend throughout his illness, which in its latter stages meant he struggled to recognise people and speak.

Palin said in a statement to the PA news agency: "Terry was one of my closest, most valued friends. He was kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full.

"He was far more than one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation, he was the complete Renaissance comedian - writer, director, presenter, historian, brilliant children's author, and the warmest, most wonderful company you could wish to have.

"I feel very fortunate to have shared so much of my life with him and my heart goes out to Anna, Alison and all his family."