Entertainer Kathy Griffin revealed some difficult and personal news about a member of her family on Thursday afternoon.
The 58-year-old comedian told the public that her mother, Maggie, is suffering from dementia.
She tweeted a photo of herself, her mother and a dog as a part of a thread explaining the situation.
“As heartbreaking as this is, I feel the need to share some important info about my mom Maggie,” she wrote.
“I’ve always been honest with you all, but this one is really hard.”
“The pic below, taken in September, was the last time I was able to have a proper/coherent conversation with her. Since that photo was taken, she has rapidly fallen into the throes of dementia,” she continued.
“This is never easy for any child, I know this is a reality that millions of people deal with every year. But when it comes to my mom this is particularly hard because her sharp mind was everything.”
A) As heartbreaking as this is, I feel the need to share some important info about my mom Maggie. I've always been honest with you all, but this one is really hard. The pic below, taken in September, was the last time I was able to have a proper/coherent conversation with her. pic.twitter.com/oqBcQTEDAB
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) January 3, 2019
B) Since that photo was taken, she has rapidly fallen into the throes of dementia. This is never easy for any child, I know this is a reality that millions of people deal with every year. But when it comes to my mom this is particularly hard because her sharp mind was everything.
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) January 3, 2019
Griffin also revealed that her mother is 98 years old and was particularly sharp for her age up until recently.
She also said her mother is currently in 24-hour care and is not in any pain.
She said her mother only knows how to say her daughter’s name and “I love you.”
“I know many of you know what that reality is like … I’m still grappling with it,” she added.
Griffin received support from a wide array of people on Twitter.
Those sharing messages of sympathy and support included Fox News personality Tomi Lahren, with whom she’s clashed over political issues in the past — although Griffin did stick up for Lahren when she was harassed at a Minnesota restaurant last May.
Lahren put politics aside to show support for Griffin and wrote, “I know we have our political differences but I truly feel for you and this breaks my hard. Thinking of you and your mom.”
I know we have our political differences but I I truly feel for you and this breaks my heart. Thinking of you and your mom. https://t.co/8CB13PL3xP
— Tomi Lahren (@TomiLahren) January 3, 2019
Others offering their best wishes and condolences included actor Mark Hamill, CNN anchor Jake Tapper, YouTuber Shane Dawson and Glee star Jane Lynch.
We all felt we knew Maggie through your Twitter posts & now we all share your pain as you lose a part of her. Sending her love & warm wishes- ?, mh
— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) January 4, 2019
I’m so sorry, Kathy. It’s an awful experience and utterly tragic. Hoping for strength for you and your family.
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) January 4, 2019
Your mother is one of the most beautiful incredible women to ever grace this planet. i’m so grateful she exists. love u guys so much :,) ❤️ https://t.co/OW9ElUoo33
— Shane Dawson (@shanedawson) January 4, 2019
Love you, Kath. Love you, Maggie. pic.twitter.com/0oqZczdvz0
— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) January 3, 2019
Dementia is a condition that impacts five to eight percent of adults over the age of 65; the older they become, the more likely they are to have it.
Around half of the population over the age of 80 has it, according to WebMD.
Although dementia is not a disease in and of itself, it is most commonly found in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Related: Sandra Day O’Connor Reveals She Has Dementia
About 60 to 80 percent of people with the condition have dementia, but it is only one of 50 medical conditions to cause the cognitive disorder.
For more on Kathy Griffin, check out the video below:
Tom Joyce is a freelance writer from the South Shore of Massachusetts. He covers sports, pop culture, and politics and has contributed to The Federalist, Newsday, and other outlets.
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