Robbie Williams has poignantly revealed that his mother, Janet, 84, no longer recognises him due to her progressing dementia. Speaking during a recent concert on his Britpop Tour in Germany, the former Take That star heartbreakingly shared the emotional toll of his mother’s condition.
“My mother has dementia and she doesn’t know who I am anymore,” Robbie said. “She doesn’t know where she is anymore.”
In addition to his mother’s health challenges, Robbie opened up about the struggles within his family. His father, Peter — a fellow singer — is battling Parkinson’s disease and is now homebound.
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“My dad has Parkinson’s and he can’t leave the house,” Robbie explained. “He used to sing with me every night on stage, coming out to steal the show with his charm before heading backstage for a glass of red wine. Now, he can’t leave the house.”
Robbie also spoke about his mother-in-law, whom he deeply admires. She faces three serious illnesses: lupus, Parkinson’s, and cancer. “She is the most courageous lady and she is fighting, fighting, fighting,” he said.
Reflecting on these family experiences, Robbie shared his feelings about entering middle age and the role reversal that comes with seeing his parents face such health battles.
“It’s a strange place to be, this place we find ourselves, 51 years old. It’s very strange to be the grown-up. I’m not ready for it.”
Robbie has long been open about his mother’s dementia, accepting the reality that there would come a time she would not recognise him. “I’m in a different part of my life right now,” he remarked.
Besides his personal challenges, Robbie Williams continues to receive recognition for his remarkable career and charity efforts. Recently nominated for a knighthood, Robbie has achieved 15 UK chart-topping albums—matching The Beatles—and an unprecedented 18 BRIT Awards. He also founded Soccer Aid, a charity football event that has raised over £106 million for UNICEF since 2006.
BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills expressed his support for Robbie’s knighthood bid, highlighting not just his musical accomplishments but also his courage in facing personal struggles. “He deserves it,” Mills said. “Not only for his music, but for fighting his demons in the public eye and emerging a role model. His honesty and bravery are truly commendable.”