Renowned children’s author Robert Munsch, known for his timeless tales like those of a brave princess named Elizabeth and a rebellious bedtime protester named Mortimer, has revealed his decision to undergo medically assisted death (MAID) due to his battle with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Munsch disclosed that he had applied for and been granted approval for MAID following his diagnoses.
Despite the outpouring of tributes to Munsch, his daughter, Julie Munsch, took to social media to clarify that her father is not currently in the process of dying. She expressed gratitude for the well-wishes but emphasized in a post on the official Robert Munsch Facebook page that her father is still in good health and not facing imminent death. Julie mentioned that Munsch had made the decision to pursue MAID five years ago and advised against falling for sensationalized headlines.
While the 80-year-old author has not set a specific date for the procedure, he acknowledged the need to act before his condition worsens to the point where he can no longer make decisions. Under Canadian law, individuals opting for MAID must still possess decision-making capacity, prompting Munsch to consider the right timing based on his ability to communicate effectively.
Having penned over 75 beloved books, including classics like “The Paper Bag Princess” and “Love You Forever,” Munsch reflected on his journey as a writer, noting the impact of his degenerative illnesses on his creative abilities. Despite his physical limitations, he expressed gratitude for the enduring presence of his stories, which he believes will persist even as his health declines.
Munsch’s publishers, Annick Press, Scholastic Canada, and Firefly Books, issued a heartfelt statement on Instagram following the New York Times profile, expressing appreciation for the author’s candor and the stories he has shared with the world. They commended Munsch for his contributions and reaffirmed their unwavering support for him during this challenging time.
