Australian TV icon Fiona MacDonald dies after battle with motor neurone disease

A beloved Australian TV host has announced her own death on social media after she lost her battle with motor neurone disease.

An Australian TV icon has announced her own death on social media after losing her “very tough” battle with motor neurone disease.

Fiona MacDonald died with her sister Kylie and sons by her side, writing in her final post she had “left the building.”

“Last night brought an end to a very tough few months,” she said.

“Was very peaceful, the boys and Kylie stayed with me to say goodbye. While I’ve never wanted to die, the thought of leaving my tortured body was a relief.”

MacDonald was a television regular during the 1980s as the host of popular children’s program Wombat alongside a puppet called Agro.

She was also the host of the gameshow It’s A Knockout.

MacDonald also had ties to one of the biggest shows of the era, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, which was hosted by her sister Jacki MacDonald.

She was first diagnosed with MND in 2021, and recently promoted the FightMND cause at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with Neale Daniher in June.

Fiona MacDonald was the presenter of the Australian children’s television program Wombat, which she co-hosted with a puppet named Agro.

She was a regular on Australian television during the 1980s. Picture: Instagram

According to the MND Association, the disease affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord that control muscle movement, leading muscles to weaken, stiffen, and waste.

People who have been diagnosed with MND face a shortened life expectancy as the disease affects how they walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe.

There is currently no cure for MND.

In her final post, MacDonald said she had been unable to swallow normal food and her stomach could not tolerate the protein drinks she was being tube fed.

“It went straight in and straight out,” she said.

Sisters Jacki MacDonald, Fiona MacDonald and Kylie MacDonald. Picture: Instagram

Fiona MacDonald (middle) and Grant Kenny (far left) Picture: Instagram

MacDonald said her “black humour” had served her well through the first years of her journey but it had eventually turned to despair.

“I made the decision after much soul searching to cease all medical supports and finally go into hospital for end of life palliative care,” she said in her final post.

Tributes have flooded MacDonald’s post, with sculptor Cybele Rowe saying “What a spectacular human you were here on this planet!”

“I’m sure there is something fabulously entertaining on the other side and you’re just joining in the groove,” she wrote.
“Shine on Sista, Like the moon, the stars and the Sun. Big love to all your loving family.”

MacDonald (bottom left) with the Wombat team. Picture: Instagram

She drove through Victoria in July 2023 raising money for research into MND. Picture: Supplied/Instagram

Television presenter Shelly Horton said, “Rest easy lovely Fi. You are missed already.”

Fan Cliff Dickinson said, I will always miss Fiona’s laughter from it’s a knockout RIP”.

Donna McCart wrote, “This hits hard, Kylie. Your sister was very brave. But you and her boys were awfully brave too - how hard it must have been to say goodbye.”

“Fiona has taught everyone how to face illness with dignity, grace, humour, spirit, daring….I’d say Rest in Peace but it doesn’t seem to fit her,” she said.

Originally published as Australian TV icon Fiona MacDonald dies after battle with motor neurone disease