Tony Christie Credits Wife Sue as 'Rock' Amid Dementia Battle, Vows to Continue Performing
The 83-year-old singer, known for 'Is This the Way to Amarillo,' was diagnosed with dementia in 2023 and relies on his wife for support while continuing his music career.
Tony Christie, the 83-year-old singer famous for the hit song '(Is This the Way to) Amarillo,' has publicly praised his wife, Sue, for her unwavering support as he navigates his battle with dementia. Diagnosed in 2023 after experiencing difficulties with crosswords, Christie credits Sue as his "rock" and a vital source of encouragement.
"Sue is my rock. I fell in love with her the minute I saw her and I'm very lucky to have spent so many years with her," Christie told the Daily Mail. "As we get older we support one another. Sue was the one that first encouraged me to go to the doctor."
Christie, who married Sue in 1968 and has three children with her, explained that his wife helps him stay on track with his schedule and remembers names. He also shared that their shared sense of humor is a key element of their long-lasting relationship.
Beyond his wife's support, Christie has found that music itself plays a significant role in managing his dementia symptoms. He specifically mentioned Peggy Lee's "The Folks Who Live On The Hill" and Ella Fitzgerald's "Someone To Watch Over Me" as songs that hold deep personal meaning.
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Despite his diagnosis, Christie remains committed to performing and touring. His current Farewell tour is scheduled to run from August 2025 through mid-2027. He stated, "I am still recording new material and touring, so I don't let my dementia slow me down. Work is therapy for me so it keeps me happy and healthy. I think my knees will stop me faster than dementia!"
He acknowledges that he has slowed down, requiring more breaks, sleep, and the use of an autocue for song lyrics. Christie also noted that he sometimes forgets the names of things and people at home, attributing this to both age and dementia.
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Christie is open about his condition, often joking about forgetting his band's names. He emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of dementia and encourages others who have been diagnosed to seek medical help promptly. "Nearly one million people in the UK have dementia. It doesn't get talked about nearly as much as other diseases like cancer, but there is definitely help out there," he said.
He also shared a message of hope for those newly diagnosed, stating, "your life isn't over just because you have dementia. Some things change, but you can still do the things you love. I try to remain really positive and enjoy life as much as I can."
Recently, on September 13, Christie made a surprise appearance at the m4dRADIO 'switch-on party' in south-west London, celebrating "music for everyone." He and Sue joined individuals living with dementia, their families, and caregivers at a Dementia Disco event. This event marked m4dRADIO's expansion to DAB radio, making its ad-free, 24/7 music service more accessible in the South and West London area.
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Amy Shackleton, CEO at Music for Dementia, highlighted the importance of this expansion, stating, "Music has the power to lift our spirits, spark memories and create moments of joy. We want everyone living with dementia to be able to experience that. Bringing m4dRADIO to DAB in South and West London is an important step in making that experience even easier and more accessible."