How very sad
what a beautiful old giant. We really do form bonds with our plants, don't we? My great-grandmother planted an orange tree that was still there when the last of my family members moved out of her house, and a few weeks ago we went by only to see it had been cut down so the patio could be extended.
I can very much sympathize with and understand your situation though. It's sad to say goodbye to an old plant friend like that but especially if it is compromising the safety or structural integrity of one's home, there is sometimes no other alternative than removal.