Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday expressed “deep sorrow” over the passing of Lia Mikadze, a famous anchor of Georgian television broadcasting.

In his condolences letter, the PM continued: “She was the very first face appearing on the blue screen of Georgian television, which was broadcasting from Mtatsminda TV Studio. She was the first person ever to greet the country and congratulate the viewers on the birth of television in the country.”

“High-caliber professionalism and academic style of anchoring led to an overwhelming admiration of people towards her and this much-deserved attitude were maintained for almost half a century when she was watched on screen. I extend my condolences on the passing of Lia Mikadze to her family, friends, next of kin and colleagues,” reads the letter.

Lia Mikadze, 86, passed away today. She had been working for the public broadcaster since its opening on December 30, 1956. She was on Georgian television for nearly 50 years.

To commemorate the 57th anniversary of Georgian Television, GPB First Channel honoured first television presenters Lia Mikadze, Julieta Vashakmadze, and Alexandra Machavariani with a star in Mtatsminda Park, near the TV tower, on December 30, 2013.

Georgian Public Broadcaster expresses its condolences on the passing of Lia Mikadze.