Tony Christie, 83, praises 'supportive' wife Sue for being 'his rock' amid dementia battle as he vows to keep performing and says his 'knees will stop him faster than his brain'

Tony Christie has praised his 'supportive' wife Sue for being 'his rock' amid his dementia battle as he vowed that he will keep performing.

The singer, 83, best known for (Is This the Way to) Amarillo, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023 after struggling with his crosswords.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders (those affecting the brain) which affect memory, thinking and behaviour. 

Following his diagnosis, Tony has credited Sue for being his biggest support and for 'keeping him on track'.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, he said: '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. 

'As we get older we support one another. Sue was the one that first encouraged me to go to the doctor.'

Tony Christie has praised his 'supportive' wife Sue for being 'his rock' amid his dementia battle as he vowed that he will keep performing (pictured eariler this month)

The singer, 83, best known for (Is This the Way to) Amarillo, was diagnosed with dementia in 2023 after struggling with his crosswords

He continued: 'I was getting frustrated by my daily crossword and she could see something was quite right. 

'She keeps me on track about what I need to do and where I need to be, and reminds me of people's names when I forget.

'I think we share the same sense of humour and we both love to laugh. That's one of the secrets to our relationship.'

The pair tied the knot in 1968 after meeting earlier that year and went on to welcome three children.

As well as his devoted wife, Tony has credited music with helping to keep his dementia symptoms at bay.

One particular song that means a lot to him is The Folks Who Live On The Hill by Peggy Lee.

He explained: 'It holds a special place in our hearts for Sue and I. It always brings a tear to my eye.

'And I love Ella Fitzgerald - Someone To Watch Over Me.'

Gushing over his wife, he told the Daily Mail: 'I think we share the same sense of humour and we both love to laugh. That's one of the secrets to our relationship' (pictured in 2011)

Since his diagnosis, Tony has continued to perform and tour and has spoken about how staying busy and involved in music helps him to live well with the condition

WHAT IS DEMENTIA?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain.

There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.

Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.

Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.

Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?

The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are more than 1million people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer's.

It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2040 will rise to more than 1.4million. 

As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia.

Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.

IS THERE A CURE?

Currently there is no cure for dementia. But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are.

Source: Alzheimer's Society 

Since his diagnosis, Tony has continued to perform and tour and has spoken about how staying busy and involved in music helps him to live well with the condition. 

He is currently on his Farewell tour which kicked off in August 2025 and runs through to mid 2027. 

'I am still recording new material and touring, so I don't let me dementia slow me down,' Tony said.

'Work is therapy for me so it keeps me happy and healthy. I think my knees will stop me faster than dementia!

'I have definitely slowed down a lot though. I need longer breaks between performing. I need more sleep. And I need an autocue.

'At home I forget what things are called and often forget people's names. But I am 83!'

He is also not ashamed to have dementia as he often makes a 'joke about forgetting the names of my band'.

The hitmaker said: 'I never want to pretend I don't have it, or be ashamed of it.

'As I've gotten older I've started to rely on an autocue to remember song lyrics. I can't say whether it is down to my age or dementia - it's probably a bit of both.'

And his message to those that have just been diagnosed with the condition is to know 'they are not alone'.

He said: '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. My doctor has been brilliant. 

'The medication has really helped, so don't hide your symptoms and put off medical help. Talk to someone right away.

'The other thing I would say to someone is that their life isn't over just because they 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.'

Last Sunday (September 13), Tony made a surprise appearance at m4dRADIO 'switch-on party' as he celebrated 'music for everyone'.

Last Sunday (September 13), Tony made a surprise appearance at m4dRADIO 'switch-on party' as he celebrated 'music for everyone'

He and his wife joined people living with dementia and their family members and carers for a celebratory afternoon of music, dancing and singing at the monthly Dementia Disco event at St John Fisher Church Hall in Merton, south-west London

He and his wife joined people living with dementia and their family members and carers for a celebratory afternoon of music, dancing and singing at the monthly Dementia Disco event at St John Fisher Church Hall in Merton, south-west London.

The switch-on party marked the first step in bringing m4dRADIO to DAB radio, with the service now available across South and West London.

Until now, m4dRADIO has primarily been available online.

How to listen to m4dRADIO 

m4dRADIO is now available on DAB across South and West London

The online service for m4dRADIO has a range of five decade channels, covering the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, plus the MIX channel. 

You can access this via m4dRADIO.com on a phone, tablet or laptop

m4dRADIO can also be played through Alexa. The first time you use it, say: 'Alexa, enable M Four D Radio.' After that, simply say: 'Alexa, play M Four D Radio.'

The service is free and available 24 hours a day, with no subscription required.

The move means people in the region can listen through a digital radio, making the station's ad-free, 24/7 music without news or presenters more accessible for the people who need it.

'Sometimes you just want to switch on a radio and have the music that you love right there,' Tony said before adding: 'That's why we love what m4dRADIO is doing, It's making it easier to use for people like Sue and I.'

Music for Dementia hopes bringing m4dRADIO to DAB will make it easier for more people to enjoy the service as part of everyday life, with South and West London the first area to receive the new DAB service.

Amy Shackleton, CEO at Music for Dementia says: '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.'