Good Morning Britain’s Kate Garraway shared news of a heartbreaking death on Monday
Sara Baalla Screen Time TV Reporter
08:11, 26 Jan 2026Updated 08:22, 26 Jan 2026
Good Morning Britain was halted for a tragic death announcement on Monday (January 26) as tributes poured in. Today’s instalment of the popular ITV show was fronted by Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, with the duo bringing viewers up to speed on the latest developments from Britain and beyond.
Laura Tobin joined them in the studio, providing regular weather updates, whilst Kate Garraway took charge of the remaining news stories. During the programme, Kate revealed the passing of D-Day hero Donald Butt, who has died aged 100.
“One of Britain’s last surviving D-Day veterans and the most recent recipient of the Légion d’honneur has died at the age of 100. Don Butt’s family say he passed away on Wednesday surrounded by loved ones,” Kate announced.
“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,” reports the Mirror.
Kate Garraway shared some sad news on Monday(Image: ITV)
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During a GMB interview in November 2025, Donald expressed his desire to receive the Légion d’honneur, stating: “It would mean everything. [It’s the] one medal that I want, if I can get I.T., I’d love I.T.. I’ve done my bit and I think I’m entitled to it.”
Correspondent Jay Akbar explained in a pre-recorded segment: “At the end of a life filled with bravery and sacrifice, Donald Butt was rewarded with the final thing his heart desired. He was presented the Légion d’honneur at his care home in Somerset before he died, surrounded by family.”
In a statement, Donald’s daughter, Karen Cetin, said: “Dad always said he had a happy life… Things are in place to honour dad in Normandy in June this year and we hope he will be remembered as a humble, funny, thoughtful man.”
Jay continued: “At the time, Donald was too unwell to come on the show as planned, but his long-time friends told us what the medal meant.”
John Rawlinson, who fought for Donald to receive the honour, said: “We were able to take some serving royal marines, some guys came off leave and we had a wonderful moment actually presenting him the medal. It’s fair to say he was overwhelmed and delighted.”
D-Day veteran Donald Butt has passed away at the age of 100(Image: ITV)
Donald was only 17 years old when he joined the Marines in 1943. He was part of the landing crew in the first wave at Normandy’s Juno Beach on June 6, 1944.
Jay continued: “He always played down his vital role in victory,” before a previous clip of Donald was shown.
The war hero had previously revealed: “It was frightening. I was really frightened. That’s one of those things, you sort of get over the fear and get on with the job you’re supposed to do.” Jay concluded: “And for that, there’s no honour high enough.”
ITV audiences swiftly flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to honour the war hero, with one viewer posting: “This is so very sad, God Bless Him. I am so glad he got his award which he should have got years ago along with our other D-Day heroes, God bless you and your family. Thank you for everything Mr Butt.”
Another contributed: “God Bless one of Great Britain’s Greatest,” whilst a third commented: “God bless you Sir and thank you for your service to this country and the generations that followed.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am
