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The Daily Dish Southern Charm

Patricia Altschul's Former Butler, Michael Kelcourse, Has Had Another Stroke

Southern Charm's Patricia Altschul shared a "very sad" update on her former butler's condition. 

By Shannon Raphael

Patricia Altschul just revealed that her former butler, Michael Kelcourse, has suffered another stroke.

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The Southern Charm matriarch took to her Instagram feed on October 7 to share the serious update on Michael's health. 

"I am very sad to share that Michael has had another stroke," she wrote in the caption of her post, which featured an old photo of Michael holding Patricia's dog and a tray of drinks. "I am told that while he cannot read messages on his phone or Instagram, he can receive cards. His birthday is October 13th and it would be so nice if his fans would send him a card...."

Patricia then shared Michael's address, adding, "We are sure he would love to receive your birthday and well wishes. I know he means so much to so many of you."

As fans may recall, Michael suffered a spinal cord stroke in 2021, which prevented him from being able to work for Patricia. He moved to a nursing facility in Florida, where he has family. 

Is Patricia still friends with her former butler, Michael Kelcourse?

Yes, and in fact, viewers saw Patricia's former employee on Season 9 of Southern Charm when she called him via Zoom. At the time of the episode's airing, Oct. 2023, Michael told Patricia and her son, Whitney Sudler-Smith, that he was "doing great" and had "no complaints." He also thanked the mother and son for their support. 

"I couldn't have done it without you folks," Michael continued. "You gave me such help and were such an inspiration."

Michael Kelcourse, Patricia Altschul's former butler, on facetime talking to Patricia and Whitney.

Patricia also made an in-person visit to Michael in Sarasota, Flroida back in December 2023. She shared a video on Instagram from their sweet reunion, which showcased Michael driving in a van.

"When Michael was at the Shepard Center in Atlanta, Georgia he learned how to drive manually," Patricia wrote on Instagram. "His wheelchair gets locked into place and therefore he can go anywhere. I know he loves to go to Costco and meet friends and family at restaurants..."

About a month before, Patricia offered an update on Michael's health at BravoCon 2023

"Well, unfortunately, his condition is such that it will never change. It is static. He has a spinal stroke, which is very rare, I think less than one percent of all strokes are that," she explained. "He is with his family in Sarasota, Florida, and he has to have nursing care. So he's in a facility. But he has learned how to drive manually. And so he gets out and about, we talk all the time, he watches all the shows. He is still as snarky and fun, and has a great attitude."  

Prior to her BravoCon 2023 update, Patricia opened up about her relationship with Michael on the Season 8 premiere of Southern Charm.

"I'm still shocked by the whole thing because [Michael] had been with us for 18 years. My longest marriage lasted 15 years," she said in an interview on the episode. "So Michael is the most stable relationship I've ever had." 

Now, Patricia is asking for support and well wishes for Michael as he navigates a major health change.

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