TV icon George Negus faces shock diagnosis

One of Australia’s veteran journalists George Negus has been diagnosed with dementia.

The legendary 79-year-old television journalist, known for his work on 60 Minutes and Foreign Correspondent, was moved into a Sydney nursing home late last year. 

Negus’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement on Wednesday, February 16. 

“We continue to share wonderful family times and are grateful for the care and support we have had from extended family and friends over the past few years who understand our challenges,” Mr Negus’s son Serge said.

Negus’s family have thanked the public for their support and says “George continues to give and receive the love and respect of us all.”

According to the Daily Mail, Negus’s condition had reached a point where he was no longer able to take care of himself. 

Negus’s sons are currently helping their mother cope with the unfortunate circumstances. 

Negus started his career as a high school teacher, before becoming a reporter for notable newspapers The Australian and Australian Finacial Review, however this was only the beginning of a legendary career that saw him become a news and current affairs icon.

 

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From being one of the founding presenters of 60 Minutes Australia and Foreign Correspondent, Negus then went on to appear in multiple other shows, including George Negus Tonight which featured on ABC, and 6.30 with George Negus on Network Ten, before launching his own media company -Negus Media International- alongside his wife and fellow journalist, Kirsty Cockburn. 

In his career, Negus has had the privilege of interviewing the likes of Bob Marley, Steven Speilberg, and Margaret Thatcher. 

The news veteran also boasts a Member of the Order of Australia, which he was awarded in 2015 for his significant service to the media, conservation and the environment.