Inside Michael J. Fox and his wife’s ‘separate lives’ amid his battle with Parkinson’s

Michael J. Fox and his wife Tracy Pollan have long been admired for their enduring love story – but the actor has been open about the reality behind their decades-long marriage, particularly as he continues to navigate life with Parkinson’s disease.

The Back to the Future star, now 64, was diagnosed with the condition at just 29 years old, only a few years after marrying Tracy in 1988. 

Almost four decades on, their relationship remains strong – but Michael has been candid that maintaining that bond has required both resilience and independence.

“I love Tracy. She’s an amazing person,” he previously shared in an interview on CBS Mornings. “But she has a life separate from me having Parkinson’s.”

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While Tracy has remained a constant source of support, he has acknowledged that her ability to maintain her own identity – outside of his diagnosis – has helped sustain their relationship through the most challenging periods.

The couple, who share four children, have faced the uncertainty of Parkinson’s together from the very beginning. “I had no idea what to expect and neither did she,” Michael admitted. “But for better or worse… in sickness – she was going to stick with me, and she has.”

“We knew the bus was coming, but we didn’t know when or how fast it was coming before it hit us. “At any time, she could be forgiven for saying, ‘I just want to step out’. But she didn’t do that.”

Over the years, Michael has become one of the most prominent advocates for Parkinson’s research, helping to raise more than $2 billion through The Michael J. Fox Foundation. His openness about the disease – including the physical and emotional toll – has resonated with millions around the world.

In recent years, the actor has largely stepped back from full-time acting, officially retiring in 2020 due to the progression of his symptoms. 

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However, he has continued to make select appearances, including a recent role in the Apple TV+ series Shrinking, alongside Harrison Ford and Jason Segel – a project he has said he would happily return to.

In April 2026, the actor  was forced to deny rumors of his death after CNN mistakenly published an article and video titled: “Remembering the life of actor Michael J. Fox”. The actor was thought to have passed away after CNN published the package.

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His representative clarified in a statement to TMZ that Michael is still alive and well. “Michael is doing great,” they said. “He was at PaleyFest yesterday. He was on stage and was giving interviews.”

CNN’s package was taken down, and the outlet shared an apology shortly thereafter. “The package was published in error; we have removed it from our platforms and send our apologies to Michael J. Fox and his family.”

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Despite the challenges, Michael has consistently emphasised gratitude and humour as central to his outlook. His marriage to Tracy remains at the heart of that perspective – not defined solely by illness, but by partnership, mutual respect and, importantly, space.

In an interview with Oprah, the couple revealed insights into their close relationship. “From the beginning, I loved his sense of humor and that brain of his. He’s so smart,” Tracy said. 

“A lot of my adjustment [to Parkinson’s] has been dictated by Michael’s point of view. He’s so relaxed and so accepting of where he is, and that makes it easier for me, the kids, and everyone around him.”