Fiona MacDonald, a 67-year-old Australian television personality, announced her death in an emotional Instagram post on October 3, 2024, which was shared by her sister Kylie.
MacDonald, known for hosting popular children’s shows like “Wombat” and the game show “It’s a Knockout,” died after a three-year battle with motor neuron disease (MND). MND is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nerve cells responsible for muscle movement, thus causing muscle weakness and a loss of physical function over time.
The Instagram post provided insight into MacDonald’s struggle with MND, her love for her family, and her hope to meet her loved ones again in the future.
In the post, MacDonald reflected on her experience with MND, saying “I have left the building — Hopefully, I’m looking down from a cloud.” She discussed the effects of the disease on her body, explaining that she had been “slowly starving, growing weaker and weaker” due to difficulties swallowing, which forced her to rely on tube feeding. Despite her passion for life, she made the difficult decision to enter palliative care, finding solace in the thought of escaping her “tortured body.”
Throughout her illness, MacDonald maintained her strong spirit and sense of humor. In a previous interview, she mentioned her commitment to raising funds for MND research, starting a journey around Australia that covered about 9,632 miles, and raising over $153,000 for MND research at Macquarie University. She expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “I carry your love and laughter with me.”
Friends and former coworkers remember MacDonald for her professional accomplishments as well as her infectious humor and kindness. TV presenter Shelly Horton posted on social media “Rest easy, lovely Fi. You are missed already,” reflecting the sentiments of many who had worked with MacDonald.
MacDonald’s death sparked emotional reactions from fans and the entertainment industry. Donna McCart, a longtime fan, found the news hard to accept. She highlighted the bravery of MacDonald and her family, particularly her sons and sister Kylie, as they faced the emotional difficulty of delivering their final farewells.
The cherished television host is survived by her two sons, Harry and Rafe, and her sisters Kylie and Jacki. MacDonald leaves a legacy of her work in Australian television as well as her contributions to MND awareness and research. Her final message concluded with an Irish blessing, a reflection of her spirit, and a testament to her influence on those around her.
