Singer Steve Lawrence Reveals Alzheimer's Diagnosis
On Tuesday, singer Steve Lawrence revealed he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The 83-year-old singer made the announcement in a letter released through his spokesperson, Howard Bragman, according to People.
“Dear Friends, there have been a number of rumors and some press reaching out to me and I feel it’s important that I tell my own truth,” the letter said. Lawrence continued:
I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s in the early stages. I am being treated with medications under the supervision of some of the finest doctors in the field. Fortunately, they have managed to slow down this horrific process. I’m living my life, going out in public and trying to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends while I am still able to engage and enjoy.
Lawrence had a string of musical hits in the 1950s and ’60s such as “Go Away Little Girl,” Pretty Blue Eyes,” “Footsteps” and “Portrait of My Love.” As an actor, he made appearances on TV shows such as “The Judy Garland Show,” “Gilmore Girls” and, most recently, “Two and a Half Men.” He is best known for singing alongside his late wife, Eydie Gormé, who died in 2013.
In revealing his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Lawrence remarked about his positive outlook on what he has already accomplished in his career and what he can look forward to.
“I want my beloved fans to know that in spite of this bittersweet moment, what I don’t want is pity or sympathy — I have lived and am living a wonderful, joyous life filled with love, support and amazing moments,” he said.
While getting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be difficult for you and your loved ones, know the journey is different for everybody. As Lawrence said, a diagnosis does not mean you can’t have meaningful relationships with loved ones or enjoy your life. Mighty community member Cat P. shared a similar experience after a loved one was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Cat wrote:
I naively expected [my friend with Alzheimer’s disease] would be sad all the time. I don’t mean to diminish the practical challenges her memory loss causes her and her wife. I was just surprised by the fact that we can continue to develop a deeper relationship, and that she’s so fun to be around, even though she doesn’t remember my name.
Lawrence concluded his letter to fans by saying he would remain hopeful as he continued on his health journey.
“As I continue this journey, I ask for your prayers, your good wishes and implore you to find the joy every day, because what I feel is gratitude, love and hope — nothing more and nothing less, and I hope you can find the same,” Lawrence said. “With love, Steve Lawrence.”
If you’re feeling alone in your journey with Alzheimer’s disease, know there are many others out there who have been where you are. Take a look at these stories for more insight:
Image via Wikimedia Commons/John Mathew Smith
Renée Fabian was the features editor at The Mighty. She has also written for The Washington Post, VICE, Healthline, Talkspace, The Fix, The Establishment, The Culture Trip, and GRAMMY.com, among others. Renée was named a 2019 AHCJ Comparative Effectiveness Research fellow, a 2020 USC Center for Health Journalism California fellow, and holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California and a master's degree in psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. You can follow her on Twitter @ryfabian.
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