Jon Snow's wife revealed the couple felt he had been "struck off" following his dementia diagnosis. The veteran journalist will appear in the one-off 90-minute documentary Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, in which he confronts injustice while championing a Zambian community whose homes have been devastated by mining operations.
The former Channel 4 News presenter will also speak candidly about receiving his Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2023, two years after stepping down from his distinguished career. Audiences will also be introduced to Snow's wife, who accompanies the celebrated journalist on his journey to Zambia as he "rediscovers his purpose".
Who is Jon Snow's wife?
Former Channel 4 presenter Jon Snow is married to Dr Precious Lunga, a Zimbabwean epidemiologist and neuroscientist. Born in Rhodesia, she pursued her studies in the UK, obtaining a PhD from the University of Cambridge. She currently serves as CEO and co-founder of Baobab Circle, an award-winning health technology firm harnessing artificial intelligence to tackle the growing burden of chronic illnesses such as diabetes throughout Africa.
Jon, 78, and Precious, 51, first crossed paths on the Caribbean island of Mustique in 2001, before tying the knot nine years later in 2010. The couple subsequently welcomed a son via surrogacy in March 2021, marking the third time Jon has become a father, having previously had two daughters with his former partner of 35 years, human rights lawyer Madeleine Colvin.
Jon Snow's decision to go public
Ahead of Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, Precious recalled how her husband fell into a "deep depression" for six months following his retirement. Speaking further with Anita Rai on Woman's House, she revealed why Jon has chosen to go public about his condition.
"He said 'if I don't speak out who will?'", Precious explained. "It is something that affected his own mother and affects so many people. He felt that when someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's they are written off, but it's not like you fall off a cliff. It's a gradual degradation of the brain. It doesn't mean you still can't contribute to the world and he felt he still had so much to give, which is why he decided to make this documentary."
Precious revealed how she was at first hesitant to appear in the Channel 4 documentary but ultimately reconsidered. She explained: "What helped me overcome it was the fact I am one of over one million people affected by dementia. That helped me get over the nervousness of telling our story. It is not the end and we are looking for opportunities to enjoy our life."
Jon Snow: A Last Big Story airs tonight, Sunday, 21 June, at 8pm, on Channel 4.
