Tony Christie Refuses to Slow Down After Dementia Diagnosis
Tony Christie’s story right now feels both deeply honest and incredibly inspiring. At 82, the legendary singer best known for “(Is This the Way to) Amarillo” has opened up about how he’s coping with his dementia diagnosis—and what’s striking is the way he refuses to let the disease define him or slow him down. In fact, he’s still out on tour, still performing, and still finding joy in the routine of music that has shaped his entire life.
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He first noticed something was wrong when he began struggling with his daily crosswords, and in January 2023 he was officially diagnosed with dementia. But instead of withdrawing or hiding from it, he chose to speak openly about what he’s going through. He says talking about it helps break the stigma, and he encourages others to do the same. According to him, there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and sharing the truth can make it easier not only for yourself but also for the many others facing similar challenges.
What’s remarkable is how he approaches each day. He admits that on most days, he barely thinks about the diagnosis at all. His focus remains firmly on what he can still do—especially performing. He says being on stage keeps him sharp, and when he’s in front of a crowd, everything else fades away. Touring continues to be a source of energy and purpose for him, and he’s on the road now until December 19 before taking a short break for Christmas.
Tony has also teamed up with Music For Dementia for their “Give The Music Back” Christmas film, where he contributes as a narrator. The ad’s theme of how music bridges generations touched him personally, especially scenes showing a granddaughter helping her grandmother play music. He sees himself in that—his granddaughter Deia helps him with tech, sets up his music devices, and simply spends time with him, which he says matters more than anything else.
He also knows he’s not alone. Other public figures, like Pauline Quirke and Fiona Phillips, have come forward with their own diagnoses, and he feels their honesty has helped remove fear and embarrassment around dementia. For him, going public was about encouraging earlier diagnoses and helping families feel less isolated.
His advice is simple but powerful: don’t shut yourself away, keep doing the things you enjoy, lean into humour, and find accessible events that keep you engaged with the world. Music, laughter, and connection—those are the things that keep Tony Christie moving forward. And at 82, he shows no signs of slowing down.
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