"Struggling": Sad update on Molly Meldrum's health
A close friend of Molly Meldrum has shared a sad update on his health, after he failed to show up for a special Countdown event.
With November 2024 marking 50 years since Countdown first aired, the Royal Australian Mint has launched a commemorative coin for the anniversary, holding an event in Melbourne in celebration.
However, Meldrum was a no-show at the event, with former Countdown announcer and close from of Molly's Gavin Wood saying he has largely retreated from the public eye as he has struggled with declining health ever since he fell off a ladder in December 2011 which almost killed him.
"The fall, it is all down to the fall, was a horrible thing to have happened," Wood told the Herald Sun.
"He is 82 in January. He has been a public figure all his life and I think he is just enjoying a quieter life."
"He is still Molly, still interested in music and still has it turned up to 11. He is still naughty, he has still got that spark that we love, but I think he is enjoying life being a normal person."
Although Meldrum did not attend the coin launch, he did release a statement, sneaking in his famous catchphrase whenever he recommended an artist on Countdown.
"I am left with such fond memories of those days and a show that will never be forgotten," Meldrum said.
"We made a difference to the music industry in Australia and so I am thrilled to see commemorative coin being made."
"Do yourself a favour and get one. Iconic Countdown lives on."
Wood said that his former colleague Meldrum would be "chuffed" to see something "as beautiful and as imaginative" as the coins commemorating the show on the special anniversary.
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