Tony Christie, 82, delights fans as he delivers optimistic health update amid dementia battle: ‘I just carry on!’
Tony Christie has revealed that his doctor told him he was “lucky” to be a musician when diagnosed with dementia three years ago, citing music’s therapeutic benefits for people with the condition.
The 82-year-old singer, who received the icon award at the O2 Silver Clef Awards on Wednesday, appeared TV on Thursday morning to share the latest update with his illness with fans.
Christie, best known for his hit Amarillo, discussed living with dementia following his diagnosis in January 2023, sharing how music helps those with the condition.
The singer, who described himself as a lifelong cryptic crossword “fanatic”, first noticed something was wrong when he began struggling with the puzzles he had enjoyed throughout his life.
“I think it was about three years ago. All my life, I’ve been a crossword fanatic. Cryptic crosswords, that was my big hobby.
“Suddenly, I was having problems doing them, and my wife said ‘Let’s go and see a doctor’,” Christie told the Good Morning Britain presenters, Kate Garraway and Ed Balls.
Despite the diagnosis, Christie maintains a positive outlook. “I’ve just carried on,” he said. “Although it’s there, I don’t think about it. I just carry on with my life.”
Christie explained what his doctor told him about the benefits of his musical career. “That’s one of the things the doctor said – you’re very lucky that you’re in the music business,” he told GMB.
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“Music is one of the things that we recommend for people with dementia – to have music playing – it stops you thinking and worrying.”
The medical advice highlights how Christie’s profession provides him with a therapeutic advantage in managing his condition.
Music therapy has become an increasingly recognised treatment for dementia patients, with Christie’s case demonstrating how his lifelong involvement in the music industry offers particular benefits.
Christie’s openness about his condition has had a profound impact on others facing similar challenges.
“I’ve been stopped in the street by people saying ‘thank you for what you do. My wife is now not ashamed of it. She’s not ashamed to come out’,” he revealed.
And fans also took to social media today to praise the singer for being so open about his health battle.
“Wonderful seeing Fabulous Tony Christie on Good Morning Britain,” one viewer penned on X. “Such a lovely man and great singer. Congratulations on the Silver Clef Icon Award. Well deserved @TheTonyChristie @nordoffrobbins @GMB @kategarraway @edballs #O2SilverClefs #Amarillo #Icon #ThursdayMotivation.
A second echoed: “@GMB Tony Christie has performed at the Butlins 70s weekends a few times. We all loved him. He put on a fantastic show every time. Congratulations on the award. Much deserved. #tonychristie.”
And a third echoed: “What a lovely, gorgeous man Tony Christie is. Legend! #gmb.” (sic)
The singer is currently on his farewell tour, Tony Christie The Great Farewell, which began in Lichfield in January and will conclude in Skegness in October, celebrating his six-decade career.