Patricia Altschul's Butler Michael Kelcourse Recently Suffered From a Spinal Cord Stroke

Patricia Altschul's longtime butler, Michael Kelcourse, recently suffered from an acute spinal cord infarction, which is also known as a spinal cord stroke, The Daily Dish has confirmed.

“I am sorry to inform you that Michael Kelcourse, affectionately known as 'Michael The Butler', recently suffered an acute spinal cord infarction which is often called a 'spinal cord stroke.' Although this tragedy has caused significant nerve damage and impairment, with the help of the outstanding physicians at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, we are hopeful Michael will soon recover," Patricia's son, Whitney Sudler-Smith, said in a statement to The Daily Dish. "Thank you for respecting Michael’s privacy during this challenging time.”

Over the years, Southern Charm fans have become more than familiar with Michael. Patricia opened up about her longtime employee coming to work for her beginning in 2004 in her book, The Art of Southern Charm. She noted in the memoir that hiring him was the "best thing I could have done."

Michael has since become a fan favorite on Southern Charm since the series premiered seven seasons ago. Viewers have gotten to know him as Patricia's right-hand man who serves up witty conversation and incredible cocktails, specifically martinis.

In 2018, Whitney opened up about Michael in an interview with The Daily Dish, sharing, "Michael, he's devoted to mom. He's the nicest guy in the world. He's invaluable to my mom because he helps with her coterie of animals."

Patricia shared what it's like to have Michael in her life and their professional relationship on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen in 2019, noting that "we respect and admire each other."