Peter Andre has opened up about the emotional toll of watching his beloved mother, Thea, decline due to both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease — two progressive conditions that are devastating for the entire family.
In his latest OK! Magazine column, the pop star and dad-of-five shared that he and his siblings feel “guilt and worry” as they helplessly witness their mum’s health deteriorate from afar. Thea, who raised Peter as a Jehovah’s Witness, now lives in Australia with her husband Savvas.
“I read Fiona Phillips’ account and it hit home,” Peter wrote, referring to the former GMTV host’s recent emotional memoir about her own Alzheimer’s battle. “This disease breaks your heart – not just for the one suffering, but for everyone who loves them.”
Fiona, 64, recently revealed she was diagnosed in 2022 after initially blaming symptoms like brain fog and mood swings on menopause. Her husband, Martin Frizell, former ITV editor, stepped away from his role earlier this year to care for her full-time. In their joint memoir, Martin describes Fiona asking to see her late parents and needing assistance with basic routines like brushing her teeth.
Peter deeply empathised with their journey, admitting that seeing his mum lose independence is “so painful.” He also reflected on a recent visit to Australia where he and his brother Michael spent precious time with their parents and sister.
“Being there was amazing, but emotional. Mum and Dad are both in their 80s now and they’re declining, especially Mum. Leaving them is the hardest part,” he confessed.