In a profoundly moving disclosure, Robert Munsch, the cherished Canadian children's author behind the timeless classic 'Love You Forever', has revealed his plans to end his life through Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) programme.
The 78-year-old literary icon is battling the devastating dual diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and dementia, conditions he states have robbed him of the ability to create and recite the stories that made him a household name.
A Legacy Interrupted by Illness
Munsch's candid announcement came during a recent interview, where he spoke with heartbreaking honesty about his declining health. "I am not in good shape," he stated, revealing the conditions have left him unable to write or tell stories—the very essence of his being.
The author, whose books have sold over 80 million copies worldwide, received his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2013 and a subsequent dementia diagnosis in 2023. He has since moved into a long-term care home in Guelph, Ontario, as his conditions progress.
The Heartbreaking Decision
Munsch explained that he has made the conscious decision to pursue an assisted death, but not immediately. His plan is to wait until his conditions advance to a point where he feels the time is right under Canadian law, which permits MAID for individuals with grievous and irremediable medical conditions.
"I'm not dead yet," Munsch remarked, indicating he still finds moments of joy in life, particularly during visits from his family and grandchildren. However, he has made his wishes clear to his family and has their full support.
A Life Dedicated to Storytelling
Robert Munsch's career spans decades, with 'Love You Forever'—a story famously written as a tribute to his two stillborn children—becoming one of the best-selling children's books of all time. His work has comforted, entertained, and resonated with generations of young readers and their parents.
His honest conversation about his end-of-life plans has sparked a wider discussion about dignity, choice, and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the personal realities behind Canada's assisted dying laws.
