Terry Jones, a founder member of Monty Python, has died. He was aged 77.

Jones has battled a rare form of dementia for the last few years.

A family statement said: “Terry passed away on the evening of 21 January 2020 at the age of 77 with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side after a long, extremely brave but always good-humoured battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD.

“Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in North London.

“We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades.”

Fellow Python Sir Michael Palin said Jones was “one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation”.

He added: “Terry was one of my closest, most valued friends.

He was kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full.

“He was far more than one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation, he was the complete Renaissance comedian – writer, director, presenter, historian, brilliant children’s author, and the warmest, most wonderful company you could wish to have.”

And John Cleese said: “It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away…”

He added: “Of his many achievements, for me the greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of Life of Brian. Perfection.”

Jones died four years after being diagnosed with a rare form of dementia known at FTD.

Terry Jones far right