Monty Don shared a poignant tribute to his beloved friend, who sadly died. The Gardeners' World presenter, 69, took to Instagram and shared a stunning photo of a gorgeous sunset as he penned a heartfelt message which left his legion of followers moved. The BBC host contemplated on the picture and admitted he hoped his friend Rosie would have approved of the heartwarming move.

Monty was swiftly flooded with messages of support from fans who offered their condolences to the gardening expert. He did not share any further details about his friend on the picture-sharing site. In view of his 1.3 million followers, he penned: "The end of a profoundly moving and celebratory day saying goodbye to a dear friend - all done in magnificent style. I think Rosie would have approved."

Social media users flocked to the comment section as one wrote: "I'm so sorry to hear that - such a beautiful pic."

Another penned: "Beautiful picture! What a lovely way to honor your friend!!"

A third wrote: "My sincere condolences to you, family and friends of those she touched in life. May loving memories give solace. RIP."

"Condolences to you and those who loved her. What a wonderful sky to say your farewells," a fourth remarked. While a fifth added: "I'm so sorry Monty."

The post racked up over 13,000 likes in a matter of hours. Monty's message comes just weeks after he opened up about grief and the comforting power of the natural world.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, the gardener said: "One of the things that has always moved me, and this has often been said by people who are grieving, is that the rhythm of the seasons is a huge comforter.

"In the bleakest midwinter, you trust that spring will come, that the blossom will appear.

"You sow a seed and you trust that it will flower. Now, sometimes it doesn't. I mean everything is complicated and nothing is linear like that. But underneath it all, there is that rhythm of nature.

"And I think more than ever we need that. Everybody needs it always and always has done."