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Charleston Socialite Honors 18-Year Loyal Butler in Heartfelt Memoir
11 Nov
Summary
- Patricia Altschul's memoir honors late butler Michael Kelcourse
- Kelcourse suffered a rare spinal stroke in 2021, leaving him paralyzed
- Altschul considered Kelcourse a "family member" after 18 years of service
In her new memoir "Eat, Drink, and Remarry: Memories from a Lifetime of Art, Class, and Southern Charm," released on November 11, 2025, Charleston socialite Patricia Altschul, 84, dedicates a significant portion to honoring her late butler, Michael Kelcourse. Altschul considered Kelcourse a "family member" after he worked for her for 18 years, living with the family and being a constant presence in their lives.
Kelcourse, described as the "consummate professional," passed away in October 2024 after suffering a rare acute spinal stroke in February 2021 that left him paralyzed. Altschul was devastated by the news and wanted to ensure Kelcourse was properly memorialized in her memoir. "He deserved to be memorialized, and I wanted to do that," she told Us Weekly. "He was with me [for] 18 years. 18 years is a long time."
Altschul recalled hiring Kelcourse in 2004 after the death of his previous employer, an "ancient dowager" in New York. Kelcourse became a breakout star when Altschul's reality show "Southern Charm" premiered in 2014, with fans writing to him for housekeeping advice.
