Why does Morrie have a great deal of friends?

In Tuesdays With Morrie, Morrie Schwartz is a dying sociology professor who becomes close friends with sports columnist Mitch Albom. As Morrie dies, his Tuesdays with Mitch are often interrupted by calls from friends. It's difficult to objectively know why Morrie has so many friends, considering there are a large number of circumstances that contribute.
After an appearance on the television program Nightline, Morrie becomes even more popular. While many of the people that begin to contact Morrie have seemingly good intentions, Mitch wonders whether these "friends" only have interest in Morrie because of his newfound fame from his television appearance. Morrie believes that he has only acquired more friends because of his illness and impending death. He believes that his perspective as an elderly dying man is invaluable and that his "friends" have selfish reasons in contacting him.
Apart from all of this, Morrie likely acquired many friends from being a kind and friendly man. Early in the book, Mitch recounts one his first classes with Morrie in which they have the following exchange:

"Mitch," I said. "Mitch is what my friends call me."
"Well, Mitch it is then," Morrie says, as if closing a deal. "And Mitch?"
"Yes?"
"I hope that one day you will think of me as your friend."

While it may be cynical to suggest Morrie became popular because of his approaching death, it's not entirely incorrect. Many people use the opportunity to find wisdom in Morrie's declining health. Yet, Morrie's kindness and loving nature is likely what keeps people close.
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/columnists/mitch-albom/2017/03/25/mitch-albom-tuesdays-with-morrie/99545374/?from=new-cookie

https://www.mitchalbom.com/books/tuesdays-with-morrie/