Kate Garraway Shares Heartbreaking Loss on Good Morning Britain as Tributes Pour In
Kate Garraway, a prominent host of Good Morning Britain, delivered heartbreaking news during the January 26, 2026 broadcast. The show, which features hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, along with weather presenter Laura Tobin, reported on the passing of D-Day veteran Donald Butt.
Tributes Flood In for D-Day Veteran
Donald Butt, aged 100, was one of Britain’s last surviving D-Day veterans. He recently gained recognition as the most recent recipient of the Légion d’honneur from France. His family confirmed that he passed away on Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones.
A Lifelong Honor
Kate Garraway shared poignant details about Donald Butt’s life. “Good Morning Britain followed his campaign to receive France’s most prestigious military honour, which he was awarded less than two weeks before he died,” she announced.
In November 2025, Butt expressed his hopes of receiving this honor, stating, “It would mean everything. [It’s the] one medal that I want, if I can get [it], I’d love [it].” He dedicated his life to service, joining the Marines at the age of 17 in 1943 and participating in the initial wave at Normandy’s Juno Beach on June 6, 1944.
Final Moments and Legacy
Reporter Jay Akbar reflected on Butt’s presentation of the Légion d’honneur at his care home in Somerset. He stated that Butt was surrounded by family and was overwhelmed with joy upon receiving the medal. “At the end of a life filled with bravery and sacrifice, Donald Butt was rewarded with the final thing his heart desired,” Akbar remarked.
Butt’s daughter, Karen Cetin, shared her father’s sentiment, noting that he had a “happy life.” She emphasized plans to honor him in Normandy in June 2026, saying they hoped he would be remembered as a “humble, funny, thoughtful man.”
Reactions from the Public
The passing of Donald Butt prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. Many viewers expressed their condolences following Garraway’s announcement. Comments included:
- “This is so very sad, God bless him. I am so glad he got his award.”
- “God bless one of Great Britain’s Greatest.”
- “Thank you for your service to this country and the generations that followed.”
As tributes continue to pour in, Donald Butt’s legacy as a dedicated veteran is firmly established. Good Morning Britain provides a platform for honoring such remarkable individuals, airing weekdays at 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
