Kathy Griffin Reveals Her Mother Has Dementia: ‘At This Point She Only Knows My Name’

Kathy Griffin, who had an up and down 2018, unfortunately has had her 2019 start off on a very rough note, as she took it to Twitter to share some sad news about her mother’s health.

The 58-year-old comedian revealed that her mother, Maggie Griffin, is losing her memory. “As heartbreaking as this is, I feel the need to share some important info about my mom Maggie,” Kathy said. “I’ve always been honest with you all, but this one is really hard. The pic below, taken in September, was the last time I was able to have a proper/coherent conversation with her.” Kathy then proceeded to share a photo of her and her mom speaking in bed together.

Kathy continued, adding numerous posts to fill everyone in on the situation. “Since that photo was taken, she has rapidly fallen into the throes of dementia,” the former New Year’s Live co-host explained. “This is never easy for any child, I know this is a reality that millions of people deal with every year. But when it comes to my mom this is particularly hard because her sharp mind was everything.” Kathy added, “My mom is 98 and up until this past couple years she was so sharp she always kept me on my toes. Her mind was so naturally quick, funny, and smart. No one could get anything past her. Watching that slip away so fast has been devastating.”

Kathy went on and said, “I want to assure you all that she is not in pain and she is getting the best 24-hour care. In terms of how she is now, at this point she only knows my name and I love you. I know many of you know what that reality is like … I’m still grappling with it.” Kathy also asked her fans and followers to share their best memory of her mom. “I would love it if you would respond to this thread with a video clip of your favorite Maggie moments or if you had the honor of meeting her a photo,” Kathy added. “While the reality for Maggie is different now, I want to remember the woman all of you fell in love with.”

Mark Hamill, of Star Wars fame, responded to Kathy’s thread with this tweet:

We all felt we knew Maggie through your Twitter posts & now we all share your pain as you lose a part of her. Sending her love & warm wishes- ?, mh

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) January 4, 2019

Back in 2007, Maggie’s husband, John Patrick Griffin, died of heart failure. The tragedies did not stop there, as two of Maggie’s kids, Gary and Joyce, both passed away from cancer in 2014 and 2017.