Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke was spotted with his ex-wife at Shane Warne‘s state memorial, showing the pair are amicable and still there for each other when needed.
Despite the couple splitting in September 2019, Michael and Kyly Clarke, both 40, were seen arriving at the star studded event together on Wednesday evening.
The pair, who were married in 2012, were televised sitting next to each other as they farewelled their dear friend.
All eyes were on the Clarke’s during the memorial as TV crews briefly focused on them during the proceedings, seen laughing at some of the humorous stories shared about Warne.
After the couple called it quits last year, they remained in contact for the sake of their six-year-old daughter, Kelsey Lee Clarke.
Clarke previously told The Kyle and Jackie O Show he and Kyly had a “great friendship”.
“I think I’m extremely lucky to have been able to go through a separation with the mother of my child and us still be great friends,” he said on KISS 1065’s program.
“I actually think Kyly and my friendship now is as strong as it’s ever been. We still talk daily and, I think you’ve heard Kyly say as well, both of us will always prioritise our daughter and a big part of that is a friendship between mum and dad.
“The fact we can do that for our daughter, I don’t think there’d be a husband and a wife, or an ex-husband and wife that are not together, that wouldn’t want that for their child,” he told radio program.”
Clarke appeared on The Today Show recently after Warne’s death and said he spoke with his friend just two days before he flew to Thailand.
He said it would be difficult to say goodbye as he wiped tears from his eyes on air.
“I don’t think I will ever say goodbye,” Clarke told the Channel 9 show.
“I think everyone’s going to miss him and anyone who knew him, or even if you didn’t know him – you fell in love with him.
“It‘s so very sad but I think it is important as well, as hard as it is, we have to cherish our time with him.
“It was 52 years that was lived well and truly. So many amazing memories and it should be celebrated.”
Warne, 52, died of a heart attack while in his villa on Koh Samui in Thailand early this month.
His sudden death sent shockwaves across the world, leaving his family, many famous friends and fans to mourn the unexpected loss.
His family held a private funeral for the spin king ahead of his public state memorial.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was packed with spectators who came to pay their respects, while millions of people from around the world tuned into the live televised event.
The memorial had international stars like Elton John, Chris Martin, Ed Sheeran and Robbie Williams pay tribute and perform classic songs of theirs while friends, colleagues and family spoke and shared memories of the beloved cricketer.
Warne’s father Keith was the first to pay tribute to the cricketing legend, saying March 4 was the “darkest day in our family’s life”.
“It was a day that our son, Shane Keith Warne, was tragically and suddenly taken from us,” he said.
“Our family loss of a loved son, a loving brother to Jason and a devoted father to Brooke, Jackson and Summer and the world lost a much loved cricketing legend whose feats on and off the cricket field will go down in history for all time.
“Looking forward to a future without Shane is inconceivable. We do take comfort in knowing that Shane packed more in his life of 52 years, five monxjmtzywths and 19 days than most people would in two lifetimes.
“Your mother and I can’t imagine a life without you. You have been taken too soon and our hearts are broken. Thank you for all you did for us. And for being such a loving and caring son. Rest in peace, mate. Love you.”
His youngest daughter Summer also made a memorable tribute, tearing up on stage.
“When I was struggling and I didn’t know how to go on with life because I was dealing with my own emotions, you showed me how I could fall in love with life again.
“You saved me, Dad. You truly did.”
