Steve Lawrence Diagnosed With Alzheimer’s Disease
Jun. 11 2019, Published 2:19 p.m. ET
Nightclub and television singing legend Steve Lawrence has revealed doctors have diagnosed him with Alzheimer’s Disease.
“It’s in the early stages,” Lawrence, 83, said in a statement. “I am being treated with medications under the supervision of some of the finest doctors in the field. Fortunately, they have managed to slow down this horrific process.”
“I’m living my life, going out in public and trying to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends while I am still able to engage and enjoy,” he continued of what he called “this bittersweet moment.”
“What I don’t want is pity or sympathy — I have lived and am living a wonderful, joyous life filled with love, support and amazing moments,” he insisted.
Lawrence shot to fame alongside his late wife, Eydie Gormé, who died days before her 85th birthday in August 2013.
“With my beloved Eydie, I had one of the great loves of all time; my career has always been there for me as a source of joy and fulfillment; and you, my fans, have shown immeasurable love and support in ways I only could have imagined,” said Lawrence.
“Steve has gone downhill quickly since Edie died in 2013,” an insider told RadarOnline.com. “It was like cutting his heart out.”
“It’s sad,” the insider added. “He’s a shell of what he once was.”