Samantha Armytage has had a tough couple of weeks, as the Sunrise star revealed that both of her parents are currently in hospital. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday night, Sam revealed that her father Mac suffered a stroke 10 days earlier, as he made his way to the hospital to visit his wife, Sam’s mother Libby.
The Channel Seven star went on to confirm that her mum has been “gravely ill” for some time, as she is living with an auto-immune disease which led to heart failure.
“As some of you may know, my mum Libby has been gravely ill for a while … on his way to visit her in hospital ten days ago, my dad Mac collapsed after having a stroke,” Sam wrote. “Luckily he wasn’t out the back of Wagga in a paddock as he probably wouldn’t be here to tell the tale.”
She added: “He’s a tough old buggar & he’s in rehab, frustrated but determined. And giving plenty of cheek to his long- suffering, wonderful nurses. Mum has stabilised too & despite having both of them in hospital (with the added pressure of the totally necessary Corona-related-visitor restrictions) now I’m heading back to work tomorrow morning.
“To anyone out there with loved ones in the hospital right now or anyone out there near your parents right now, give them a hug for me. Now, can 2020 just p*ss off already xx”
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Many people shared well-wishes for Sam and her family at this time, with her Sunrise colleague Mark Beretta writing: “You’ve had everything but the kitchen sink thrown at you and its a good thing the Armytages are of good stock and as tough a high country fence posts, because if anyone can get through this it’s this wonderful family! Wishing you all, especially Libby and Mac all the best, from all the Berettas.”
Jess Rowe commented: “Oh so much love to you all… what a awful time… wonderful to see your smiles. Big love.” And The Morning Show’s Larry Emdur said: “Lots o luv to Libby and Mac, glad to hear they’re both on track @sam_armytage . Sending lots of luv xx”
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It comes almost two months after the 43-year-old journalist announced her engagement to horse breeder and farmer Richard Lavender. Armytage shared the happy news on social media as she posted two photographs of herself cuddling up to her businessman beau.
She captioned the post, “What a year…”, as she uploaded two photos of herself showing off a dazzling diamond ring. Sam’s delight was clear to see as she smiled widely at the camera with her hand placed on Richard’s chest.
Sam and Richard, 60, are believed to have met at Skye Leckie’s 60th birthday party in April last year, and they confirmed their romance in November.