TV Presenter Fiona MacDonald Shares Emotional Final Message Before Passing at 67
TV presenter Fiona MacDonald, best known for her work on It’s A Knockout, has passed away at the age of 67 after battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND). In a heartbreaking farewell, Fiona announced her own death in a deeply emotional message to her followers, reflecting on her final days and decision to end medical treatment.
Fiona, who was diagnosed with MND in November 2021, explained her decision to refuse further treatment due to the relentless progression of the disease. She expressed relief at “leaving my tortured body” after facing immense physical challenges, including her inability to swallow and tolerate feeding tubes, told the Mirror.
In her final message, shared by her sister Kylie, Fiona wrote, “Farewell my friends. My sister Kylie is posting this because I have left the building—hopefully, I’m looking down from a cloud. Last night brought an end to a very tough few months. It 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.”
Fiona shared that her body had become unable to process any of the medical supports intended to sustain her, and after much soul-searching, she made the decision to transition to end-of-life palliative care. Alongside her heartfelt message, a photo showed Fiona smiling with her two sons, Harry and Rafe, and their family dog. Another image featured her with her sister Kylie against a beautiful sunset.
Reflecting on her love for life, Fiona added, “It takes a great deal of courage to make choices that lead to farewell. So let’s not call it goodbye as I hope to see you again on the other side.” Fiona MacDonald was born in Queensland, Australia, and gained popularity for her appearances on shows like Wombat and Agro’s Cartoon Connection in the 1980s. In the 2000s, she stepped away from television to focus on her wine business.
Tributes poured in for the beloved presenter. One fan wrote, “Thanks for everything, Fiona Mac. A huge part of my 80s childhood.” Another added, “Very sad to hear of the passing of Fiona McDonald. From Wombat to It’s a Knockout, she was a lot of fun and a really lovely lady. RIP.” Her courage and warmth have left a lasting legacy, with many expressing gratitude for the joy she brought into their lives.