Beloved TV news legend George Negus ‘diagnosed with dementia’

The family of TV news legend George Negus has issued an emotional statement about his health, after he was moved into a Sydney nursing home.

TV news legend George Negus has been moved into a Sydney nursing home, after he was diagnosed with dementia.

Mr Negus, known for his work on 60 Minutes and Foreign Correspondent, has Alzheimer’s disease, his family have confirmed.

In a statement, his family opened up about “the new path” they have been faced with.

“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’ son Serge said.

“George continues to give and receive the love and respect of us all.

TV journalist George Negus has been moved into a Sydney nursing home, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

“We appreciate all the good wishes from near and far at this time.”

Mr Negus, 79, was a high school teacher before becoming one of the most respected TV journalists in Australia.

He was a founding presenter on Nine’s 60 Minutes from 1979 to 1986, and on ABC’s Foreign Correspondent, where he worked from 1992 to 1999.

Mr Negus also presented Nine’s Today Show, ABC’s This Day Tonight and SBS’ Dateline during his celebrated journalism career.

George Negus is one of the legends of Australian journalism.

He hosted two current affairs programs that were named after him – George Negus Tonight on the ABC and 6.30 with George Negus on Ten.

Mr Negus became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015, recognised for his “significant service to the media, and to conservation and the environment”.

Separate to his TV career, Mr Negus founded a media company, Negus Media International, with his wife, journalist Kirsty Cockburn, in the late 1980s.

Originally published as Beloved TV news legend George Negus ‘diagnosed with dementia’