Dame Julie Andrews made a rare public appearance at the recent Parkinson Congress conference in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Mary Poppins star was helping to raise awareness of this neurological disease around the world, appearing on screen on the opening day of the event, aiming at making people more aware of the disease, and uplift those within its community.
This also marked Andrews' first public appearance in three years, having stepped out in support with her friend Carol Burnett at the taping of Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love, which aired on NBC in April 2023.
Welcoming those in person and those tuning into the congress abroad, Andrews said at the Parkinson conference: "Your participation is invaluable as we seek to find a cure to this terrible disease".
"I know well how devastating it can be; may we all become a beacon of light to stop it in its tracks", she added before highlighting the WPC's Red Thread Intiative.
Check out Andrew's message in full below.
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At the conference, Julie Andrews was also joined by musician Paul McCartney and comedian Steve Carell.
"I have a vested interest in your work and pursuits", Carell said in his message, as he spoke about those living with Parkinson's. "I have friends and colleagues who suffer from this neurological disorder, and together I think we can make a difference".
Meanwhile, Paul McCartney spoke of his friend Ivan, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at a young age, before passing away aged 51.
"It still hurts today to think about it", McCartney said.
The music legend revealed that it was through Ivan that he met future Beatles bandmate, John Lennon, calling him "a very important person in my life".
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