‘The best of her generation’ – President leads tributes to Kathleen Watkins, broadcaster and wife of Gay Byrne, who has died aged 90

Tributes have poured in for Ms Watkins this afternoon from across the world of politics, media and beyond.

"It was with great sorrow that Sabina and I learned of the passing of Kathleen Watkins, we were among the many who had the greatest regard and affection for her," said President Higgins in a statement.

"I know that this was shared in particular by all of Kathleen's colleagues in RTÉ. Sabina and I convey our sympathy to them, along with so many in Ireland's cultural life to which Kathleen made such a memorable contribution.

"These talents were demonstrated through her work as an artist and broadcaster, as well as a writer who was appreciated by people of all ages.

"Kathleen was the beloved life partner of Gay Byrne who we remember now, recalling the joy of their unique partnership. We recall also the warmth of Kathleen's personality, her humour and kindness – she represented the best of her generation in so many ways and during such a formative period in our country.

"I hope that all who loved Kathleen will be comforted by these memories, her truly remarkable legacy and her inspiring life.

"As President of Ireland, may I offer our deepest condolences to the family of Kathleen Watkins, her daughters Suzy and Crona, her grandchildren and wider family."

Meanwhile, the daughter of Kathleen Watkins and Gay Byrne paid tribute to her "unbelievable" mother who passed away aged 90.

Her daughter Suzy Byrne told Joe Duffy on RTÉ Radio that their family is "devastated, but at the same time realise how lucky we were to have her. She was just unbelievable".

"Her adoration for her grandchildren was renowned. When I announced to her that I was pregnant with Cian, she said at that time I will forever be known as Nana Kit now and from that day on she wouldn't answer to anything else," said Suzy.

"The children that they are, and the children that they have become, is so much down to her. She taught them their manners, she introduced them to music, she insisted that when we came back from London that they really should do speech and drama.

"Her relationship with Cian, Siabh, Saoirse, Kate and Harry was phenomenal and they have benefited from her interest in them and her education of them", she added.

Ms Watkins was described by long term friend Maire-Louise O'Donnell as "possibly one of the most cultured people".

Ms O'Donnell said she was always interested in culture, from theatre and film to poetry and language and in young people who were writing, singing and in the media.

"She was very much a renaissance woman," Ms O'Donnell said.

Ms Watkins fell on the way to mass last year and had been attending Blackrock Clinic since.

She passed away five years after her husband, whose fifth anniversary was this week.

The couple married 60 years ago, in 1964, having met in 1957. They had two daughters, Crona and Suzy.

Ms Watkins was born in Saggart, Dublin, and was an acclaimed harpist and folk singer before joining RTÉ.

She was the first continuity announcer to appear on screen on the opening night of Ireland's new television station, Telefís Éireann, on New Year's Eve 1961.

The couple raised their family in Howth, north Dublin, and moved southside to Sandymount in their retirement.

In later years, Ms Watkins wrote a series of children's books about a piglet character called Pigín, which won an Irish Book Award.

In her final interview, with Sunday Independent journalist Barry Egan last September, Ms Watkins spoke openly about her life in the wake of her husband's death and revealed that he had made plans for her funeral.

She said she had picked the music and the prayers already.

Speaking about the music, she said: "I have an idea but I won't say. I would like Frank McNamara to be in charge of that. He was the musical director of The Late Late. He will know exactly what to do. I will leave instructions."

Taoiseach Simon Harris paid tribute to Ms Watkins in a statement this afternoon.

"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of broadcaster and author Kathleen Watkins," Mr Harris said.

"Kathleen was a magnetic person with a warm and witty personality and presence, as well as her considerable artistic talent.

"She and her husband, Gay Byrne, were one of Ireland's most famous couples and it was always obvious to see their devotion to each other and their family throughout their long and loving marriage.

"Whilst Gay Byrne is perhaps the most famous face RTÉ has ever produced, Kathleen will always be one of the first faces to appear on screen on RTÉ's opening night.

"She was multi-talented in her own right, and indeed like many households around the country, her books and Pigín have a special place on the bookcase in my home.

"To her daughters, Crona and Suzy, her grandchildren and wider circle of family, friends and colleagues, I am sorry for your loss.

"May she rest in peace."

Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl led tributes in the Dáil to Ms Watkins in the Dáil, describing her as a "national treasure."

She was "an inspiration to many to people of his generation", he said.

"We send our deepest sympathies on behalf of the House to her daughters and extended family."

Tánaiste Micheál Martin described Ms Watkins as a "famous musician, harpist, writer, and broadcaster."

He noted she was the first continuity announcer on RTÉ on the opening night of Teilifís Éireann, on New Year's Eve 1961 — 63 years ago.

"I think she was an iconic figure in Irish broadcasting, and indeed, in terms of the history of modern broadcasting," Mr Martin said.

"She was a dignified woman who made an outstanding contribution in her own right to the worlds of music, broadcasting, and latterly writing children's books ."