‘She doesn’t know who I am anymore’: Robbie Williams is learning what it means to lose someone slowly
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Pop star Robbie Williams has revealed his mother no longer recognises him.
The singer opened up to fans during an emotional moment on tour.
He admitted he’s not ready to face the harsh realities of ageing and loss.
The ‘Angels’ singer made the heartbreaking revelation during a recent performance in Germany, as reported.
Williams, 51, told the crowd that his mother, Janet—now 84 years old—has dementia and no longer knows who he is.
‘My mother has dementia and she doesn’t know who I am anymore,’ he said.
‘She doesn’t know where she is anymore.’
The former Take That star also spoke about his father, Peter, who has Parkinson’s disease and is now unable to leave the house.
‘He used to sing with me every night on stage, he would come out, steal the show and be charming and then wander backstage for a glass of red wine,’ Williams shared.
‘Now he can’t leave the house.’
The singer also revealed his deep admiration for his mother-in-law, who is currently battling multiple serious health issues.
‘My mother-in-law, who I absolutely worship and adore, has three illnesses,’ he said.
‘She’s for lupus, Parkinson’s and cancer. She is the most courageous lady and she is fighting, fighting, fighting.’
Williams reflected on how life had shifted dramatically as he entered his 50s, telling fans: ‘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.’
He has previously spoken about his mother’s dementia diagnosis, noting that his grandmother also lived with the condition.
‘I’m in a different part of my life right now,’ he said, acknowledging that he always knew the day might come when his mother wouldn’t recognise him.
Despite the personal challenges, Williams’s career remains on an upward trajectory.
It was recently announced that he has officially been nominated for a knighthood, recognising his immense contribution to music and charity.
The honours committee will send a shortlist of nominees to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and, ultimately, to King Charles for final approval.
Williams has tied with The Beatles for the most UK No1 albums, with 15 chart-toppers, and has secured seven No1 singles as a solo artist.
In 2006, he co-founded Soccer Aid, which has since raised £106 million for UNICEF, where he has been an ambassador since 2000.
He has also been involved in 11 Comic Relief events and serves as a patron for Music Support—a charity aiding those in the music industry dealing with addiction or mental health issues.
Radio 2 breakfast show host Scott Mills voiced strong support for Williams’s nomination.
‘I think Robbie should be knighted, 100 per cent. For his contribution for music alone,’ Mills said.
‘Let’s not forget, he’s the most decorated Brits winner in history. I think we should celebrate and acknowledge how much joy he has brought.’
Moments of clarity in the middle of memory loss can feel like small miracles—especially for loved ones watching someone fade away.
While Robbie Williams’ story highlights the heartbreaking side of dementia, there are also unexpected, hopeful experiences that families sometimes witness.
One such phenomenon has left both carers and researchers deeply moved.
Read more: Light at the end: Understanding terminal lucidity in dementia patients sparks hope and wonder
Losing recognition in a parent’s eyes is a pain few are prepared for—have you ever experienced something similar?
The singer opened up to fans during an emotional moment on tour.
He admitted he’s not ready to face the harsh realities of ageing and loss.
The ‘Angels’ singer made the heartbreaking revelation during a recent performance in Germany, as reported.
Williams, 51, told the crowd that his mother, Janet—now 84 years old—has dementia and no longer knows who he is.
‘My mother has dementia and she doesn’t know who I am anymore,’ he said.
Robbie Williams reveals mother no longer recognises him. Image source: Instagram/robbiewilliams
‘She doesn’t know where she is anymore.’
The former Take That star also spoke about his father, Peter, who has Parkinson’s disease and is now unable to leave the house.
‘He used to sing with me every night on stage, he would come out, steal the show and be charming and then wander backstage for a glass of red wine,’ Williams shared.
‘Now he can’t leave the house.’
The singer also revealed his deep admiration for his mother-in-law, who is currently battling multiple serious health issues.
‘My mother-in-law, who I absolutely worship and adore, has three illnesses,’ he said.
‘She’s for lupus, Parkinson’s and cancer. She is the most courageous lady and she is fighting, fighting, fighting.’
Williams reflected on how life had shifted dramatically as he entered his 50s, telling fans: ‘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.’
He has previously spoken about his mother’s dementia diagnosis, noting that his grandmother also lived with the condition.
‘I’m in a different part of my life right now,’ he said, acknowledging that he always knew the day might come when his mother wouldn’t recognise him.
Despite the personal challenges, Williams’s career remains on an upward trajectory.
It was recently announced that he has officially been nominated for a knighthood, recognising his immense contribution to music and charity.
The honours committee will send a shortlist of nominees to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and, ultimately, to King Charles for final approval.
Williams has tied with The Beatles for the most UK No1 albums, with 15 chart-toppers, and has secured seven No1 singles as a solo artist.
In 2006, he co-founded Soccer Aid, which has since raised £106 million for UNICEF, where he has been an ambassador since 2000.
He has also been involved in 11 Comic Relief events and serves as a patron for Music Support—a charity aiding those in the music industry dealing with addiction or mental health issues.
Radio 2 breakfast show host Scott Mills voiced strong support for Williams’s nomination.
‘I think Robbie should be knighted, 100 per cent. For his contribution for music alone,’ Mills said.
‘Let’s not forget, he’s the most decorated Brits winner in history. I think we should celebrate and acknowledge how much joy he has brought.’
Moments of clarity in the middle of memory loss can feel like small miracles—especially for loved ones watching someone fade away.
While Robbie Williams’ story highlights the heartbreaking side of dementia, there are also unexpected, hopeful experiences that families sometimes witness.
One such phenomenon has left both carers and researchers deeply moved.
Read more: Light at the end: Understanding terminal lucidity in dementia patients sparks hope and wonder
Losing recognition in a parent’s eyes is a pain few are prepared for—have you ever experienced something similar?
