David Beckham has paid a heartfelt tribute to Manchester United’s long-serving receptionist Kath Phipps, who passed away at the age of 85.

United confirmed the news on Thursday, releasing a touching 454-word statement to honor Phipps, who dedicated 55 years to the club in various roles. Describing her as an “omnipresent figure since the late 1960s” and a “one-woman institution,” the club celebrated her remarkable legacy.

Several former players and staff also shared tributes, including Beckham, who posted his own message on Instagram. Alongside a photo of himself holding Phipps’ hand, he wrote: “Forever in our hearts… The first and last face I would always see was Kath at reception at Old Trafford, ready to hand me my tickets for the game. She was the heartbeat of Manchester United; everyone knew her and adored her.”

Phipps, who featured in Beckham’s recent Netflix documentary, began her journey at United in 1968 as the club’s first switchboard operator under Sir Matt Busby’s tenure. In May 2022, after over five decades of service, she received a Service to Football Award, an honor Beckham described as “well-deserved” for her incredible contributions to the club and the sport.

In their earlier statement, Manchester United expressed their sorrow, saying: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.”