George Negus’ son shares heartbreaking update on legendary reporter’s health battle

The son of legendary Australian TV personality George Negus has shared a heartbreaking update amid his father’s health battle.

The son of beloved Australian journalist George Negus has shared an update on his health two years after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis was made public.

In a heartbreaking post shared on LinkedIn, Ned Negus has revealed that the former 60 Minutes reporter is now mostly “non-verbal” as he remains in an aged care facility in Sydney.

“I was hesitant to post this on LinkedIn, as it’s pretty personal,” Ned – who is Chief Commercial Officer for the A-League – began in a lengthy post shared this past Father’s Day. “But then realised you’re all humans and there’s always a place for sharing human realities with your professional network.”

He continued, “For those of you who don’t know, my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s around five years ago. He’s now non verbal most of the time (mind-blowing for me but also any of you that know him).”

George Negus’ son shared this photo and a health update on his dad amid his ongoing battle with Alzheimer's. Picture: LinkedIn/ Ned Negus

Ned accompanied his heartfelt words with a touching photo of himself and his famous father sharing a hug back on Father’s Day when they “had a walk on the beach together”.

Negus was sporting his trademark moustache in the photo as he looked out into the distance while embracing his son.

“He was clearly not sure why this particular walk was symbolic and sometimes not sure with whom he was walking,” Ned shared, before adding that his dad “smiled broadly and then hugged me for quite some time”.

“It was sad, but it was uplifting to know that even when you can no longer say what you feel, you can still DO what you feel. Love you Negsy.”

Negus is now “non verbal most of the time” as he remains in an aged care facility in Sydney.

Ned ended his post by all paying tribute to his mother for her endless love and care for his dad.

“P.s. My mum took this photo and is by his side most days helping him through, helping him remember (even the slightest thing) and feel. Massive shout out to her too,” he concluded.

It was in 2022 that the family revealed Negus had been living with Alzheimer’s and was moved into a nursing home the year prior.

George and wife Kirsty at the Logies in 2009.

“As a family, we are sharing the new path we walk as George faces the realities of his diagnosis of dementia from Alzheimer’s disease,” they wrote in a statement at the time.

“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.”

Original team of 60 Minutes reporters (from left to right): Ray Martin, George Negus and Ian Leslie in 1979.

“George continues to give and receive the love and respect of us all. We appreciate all the good wishes from near and far at this time,” the statement concluded.

Negus was a high school teacher before becoming a reporter for The Australian and Financial Review newspapers.

His stellar career then saw him become a legend of news and current affairs. Notably, Negus was a founding presenter of Nine’s 60 Minutes and ABC’s Foreign Correspondent.

He also had two current affairs programs named after him – George Negus Tonight on ABC and 6.30 with George Negus on Network Ten, which ran in 2011.