In a heartbreaking update, Robbie Williams has revealed his mum Janet has dementia and doesn’t even know who he is anymore.
The former Take That star opened up about various family health issues while on stage at a concert in Germany.
He said: "My mother has dementia and she doesn’t know who I am anymore. She doesn’t know where she is anymore.”
He continued "My dad has Parkinson’s and he can’t 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. Now he can’t leave the house.”
Dad Peter Conway and mum Janet Williams divorced when Robbie was just three years old. He went on to have a difficult relationship with his dad, who is also an entertainer, but maintains the pair have always been close saying his dad was one of the most influential and supportive figures in his life.
The Let ‘Me Entertain You’ Singer went on to disclose it’s not just his own parents who are suffering, but also his wife Ayda Field’s mother Gwen.
"My mother-in-law, who I absolutely worship and adore, has three illnesses.
"She’s for lupus, Parkinson’s and cancer. She is the most courageous lady and she is fighting, fighting, fighting."
"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."
Lupus is a sickness that causes issues with organs including joints, kidneys and the skin, while Parkinson’s disease causes parts of the brain to become increasingly damaged over many years.
And during an appearance on TV Show Loose Women last year, actress Ayda confirmed that mum Gwen had faced breast cancer before, but was now battling cervical Cancer.
Ayda and Robbie have been married since 2010 and have four children, Theodora, Charlton, Colette and Beau Benedict.
In addition Robbie has had his own health issues to cope with, revealing he was recently diagnosed with scurvy after losing two stone while on an appetite suppressant. He explained how as a result of not eating he wasn’t getting any nutrients and the lack of vitamin C led to him developing the disease.
In more uplifting news, after decades of chart success and raising millions for charity the Angels hitmaker has finally been nominated for knighthood.
In terms of his contribution to music, Robbie has seven number one singles under his belt and is also tied with The Beatles for most UK Number One Albums. He has received a record 18 Brit Awards, including four Best British Male Artists and was voted Greatest Artist of the 1990s and inducted into the UK Music Hall Of Fame in 2004.
As for his charity work, not only has he been a Unicef ambassador since 2000, he also created Soccer Aid in 2006 which has raised over a million since its inception.
In a recent interview with Radio Times, Soccer Aid host Dermot O’Leary commented "I would like to see Robbie knighted. Robbie always shows up, and I don’t mean that just literally. Even if he isn’t playing, he brings that stardust quality. When he does something, he really commits to it, I saw that when I did The X Factor with him. We had Judges’ Houses round his house and normally they can’t wait to get rid of us, but Robbie is so committed and so focused – and the focus he has given UNICEF has been great. It would be lovely to see that recognised."
He is also a patron for Music Support, a charity which helps people suffering from mental health issues, and he has been actively involved in 11 Comic Relief events.
Radio 2 breakfast show host Scott Mills also showed his support for the star:
“I think Robbie should be knighted, 100 per cent. For his contribution for music alone.
“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.
“He deserves it. Not only for his contribution to music, but also for fighting his demons in the public eye and coming out the other side.
“He should be acknowledged for his honesty and bravery. He really is a role model.”
