Terry Jones, co-founder of the legendary comedy act Monty Python, has died. He was 77. He was diagnosed with dementia in 2015, and by 2017 was unable to speak.
Jones' Monty Python colleague, Michael Palin, said that Jones was "kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full." He added, "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."
Another colleague, John Cleese said, "It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away… Two down, four to go."
Jones' family said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones. Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in north London. We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades. His work with Monty Python, his books, films, television programmes, poems and other work will live on forever, a fitting legacy to a true polymath. We hope that this disease will one day be eradicated entirely. We ask that our privacy be respected at this sensitive time and give thanks that we lived in the presence of an extraordinarily talented, playful and happy man living a truly authentic life, in his words ‘Lovingly frosted with glucose.'"
Jones is survived by his wife Anna and three children.
