Bert and Patti Newton's daughter Lauren shares a sweet tribute to her father on his 83rd birthday - as the TV icon recovers in hospital after having his leg amputated

Lauren Newton shared a sweet tribute to her father Bert on Friday, to mark his 83rd birthday.

The mother-of-six shared a picture of her family to Instagram and said she was sending Bert 'so much love' as he recovers in hospital after recently having his leg amputated. 

In the image, Bert can be seen beaming while surrounded by his loved ones. 

'Happy birthday to my beautiful dad,' Lauren's post began.  

'It's hard not to be together today but we are thinking of you and sending so much love.'

Her mother Patti, 76, also shared a tribute to Bert recently and Lauren defended her mother in her post. 

'P.s to all the people that have given mum a hard time all photos are before lockdown there is no need to be outraged and write emails to the PM,' Lauren said, with her clan being based in Melbourne. 

Bert has been forced to celebrate his 83rd birthday without his family by his side as he remains in hospital. 

Patti confirmed the news on Thursday before releasing a fun family photo taken before Victoria's extended lockdown.

'Bert is still in hospital, it's a very long hard journey,' Patti told The Herald Sun.

'Lots of ups and downs, but he has a great attitude and still smiling, we are taking every day as a plus.'

The picture Patti posted shows Bert and his wife surrounded by their grandkids - daughter Lauren's children Lola, nine, Monty, five, Perla, two, and Alby, 10 months. 

'Happy birthday to my darling Alb,' Patti wrote. 

'And before anyone jumps to outrage again, this pic was taken before lockdown. I miss you and hope I can see you soon xxx.' 

The showbusiness legend is continuing to recover after having his leg amputated in May, as a result of an infection.  

Patti's sweet post comes just weeks after she updated fans on Bert's condition in an Instagram post.

She shared a photo of Bert in bed, enjoying some dessert as he chatted with his wife of 47 years.

On Monday, she wrote: 'After a couple of complications, Bert is doing well with a little rehab and lots of laughs and love.' 

Patti did not elaborate on what those complications may have been.

The singer and actress concluded the post, 'Thanks to all the wonderful people looking after him'.

Bert's toe became infected before Christmas and he was experiencing unbearable pain before doctors amputated his right leg just below the knee on Saturday, May 8, in a life-saving operation.