Singer Peter Andre has spoken candidly about the emotional difficulty of discussing his mother's significant health decline, as she reaches the milestone age of 90. The Mysterious Girl star, 52, shared a heartfelt update on his mum, Thea, who lives in Australia and was diagnosed with a combination of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's in 2023.
A Difficult but Hopeful Conversation
In his column for new! magazine, Andre explained that while it is "really hard" to talk about, he feels compelled to share his family's experience to offer support to others. "I recently gave an update about my mum no longer being able to speak, and although it can be really hard to talk about, I’m in the hope that it can be of help to others going through similar things," he wrote. The former I'm A Celebrity contestant revealed his mother's condition has progressed to the point where she can now no longer speak.
Cherishing Precious Family Moments
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Andre is determined to maintain connections. He FaceTimes his mother twice daily, and his youngest child, 21-month-old Belle, speaks to her grandparents once a day. "Belle just babbles to her, she can’t really speak yet. It’s the sweetest thing," he said, noting his daughter's particular bond with her grandfather, or 'Bapou'.
The situation has led the star to a profound realisation about the value of time. His parents recently celebrated 70 years of marriage, with his father now 93. "While it doesn’t make it any easier seeing the decline in them, it’s made me look at life differently. I’m more appreciative," Andre reflected.
Facing a Poignant Milestone
Last month, Andre expressed fears that the recent Christmas could be his mother's last, as her Parkinson's had "progressed quite a bit." He shared a touching video on Instagram of Belle blowing kisses to her grandfather during a FaceTime call, describing such moments as "the most precious."
"Sadly, now that mum can’t speak anymore. However, Belle has a wonderful daily conversation with her Bapou... Melts my heart every time," he told his followers. The post received over 21,000 likes and an outpouring of supportive messages from fans who praised his openness and the family's use of technology to stay close across the miles.
Andre, who also has children Junior, 20, and Princess, 18, with ex-wife Katie Price, and Amelia, 12, and Theo, 9, with wife Emily, emphasised that he "cherished every moment" with both his parents and his children. He remains grateful for his parents reaching their 70th wedding anniversary, a milestone he had deeply hoped for.
