“The best 35 years of my life”: Michael J Fox opens up on marriage and his Parkinson’s battle in wholesome interview

At the Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s musical charity event in Nashville on April 2, Michael J Fox spoke about his journey with Parkinson’s disease. The event, which aimed to raise funds for The Michael J Fox Foundation, also featured the actor and activist discussing his marriage and his courageous battle against the disease he was diagnosed with more than 30 years ago.

The Back To The Future star expressed in a private interview with People that having a partner who understands you in a specific way is “wonderful.”

“We just make it up as we go along. It’s interesting, being married for 35 years. Yeah, I mean, the joke is you say I’ve been married 35 years, and it’s [been] the best 35 years of my life so think about that one for a second,” he added.

In 1988, Michael J Fox and Tracy Pollan got married. They now have four children: Sam, Aquinnah Kathleen, Schuyler, and Esme Annabelle, who are currently 34, 29, 29, and 22 years old.

During the same event, he also discussed his challenges with Parkinson’s in an interview with ET.

“After 35 years or something since I’ve been diagnosed, this is just my life and I don’t think about it [disease] much.”

During the conversation, he mentioned his children and shared that one of his daughters would soon be getting married. He then expressed his contentment with life, stating that it had been a good year.

Michael J Fox discusses his journey with Parkinson’s disease at charity event

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition in which the brain gradually becomes damaged. It can cause symptoms such as tremors (involuntary shaking of body parts), slowed movement, and other mobility problems for those who are unfamiliar with the disease.

Despite being diagnosed with the disease at the young age of 29, Fox has chosen to maintain a positive outlook and has dedicated himself to undergoing treatments in order to improve his condition. In a statement exclusively shared with Entertainment Tonight, he expressed his determination and commitment to getting better.

“I don’t even think about [it]. Except that I’m thinking about what we’re going to do as a community to figure this out and find a cure – and short of a cure, treatment centers that are really groundbreaking.”

Despite his infrequent public appearances at celebrity events, the actor made a surprise appearance at the BAFTAs in February. Michael J Fox arrived at the Royal Festival Hall in London and was escorted onto the stage in a wheelchair. However, instead of remaining seated to present the award, he stood at the podium and presented the Best Film award, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

He addressed the incident, stating:

“That’s what people were responding to at the BAFTAs… The issue is that people really want to believe that we can do things, and I think they see me as somebody who’s doing that.”

Michael J Fox also added that he was surprised by the audience’s recognition of his determination and resolve to solve the big problem.

“People are just saying, ‘Thanks for hanging in there and going after this.’ And I appreciate that.”

The 62-year-old actor also took the time to thank his family for their support during his difficult battle with an incurable degenerative disease. Fox stated:

“With the help of family, with the help of people that I work with, I’ve been able to meet those challenges and go beyond them, and do new things.”

The actor stated his excitement for “new experiences”that progress forward, which he plans to pursue even through his foundation.

At his recent charity event, several famous individuals were in attendance as Little Big Town, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, and other country musicians took the stage to perform.