Ita Buttrose has revealed the devastating diagnosis that’s left her reliant on a wheelchair and forced her to confront the loss of her independence.

Australian broadcasting and publishing icon Ita Buttrose has revealed she’s been diagnosed with a debilitating neurological condition that has left her confined to a wheelchair.

The 83-year-old trailblazer, known for her trademark coral lipstick and quick wit, appeared on A Current Affair on Tuesday evening to discuss her diagnosis of frozen gait disorder (FOG) and to promote her latest book, Unapologetically Ita.

The new release marks her 12th title and second autobiography, following 1998’s bestseller A Passionate Life.

Ita Buttrose at the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on July 23, 2025. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman
Ita Buttrose at the National Press Club of Australia in Canberra on July 23, 2025. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman
When host Ally Langdon asked how she felt about ageing and whether she imagined “being here at 83, living life in a wheelchair”, Buttrose replied frankly.

“No, I didn’t expect to be in a wheelchair at all,” she said.

“This was not part of my plan. But life is full of detours.”

The former Cleo and Women’s Weekly editor said that while she tries to stay positive, there are moments she feels “angry” about her circumstances.

“I’m not always happy with my lot in life. Sometimes I ask, ‘Why me?’ But it is what it is, and I have to live life this way.”

Buttrose first developed symptoms following back surgery in 2021, when she began struggling to take simple steps.

After a series of medical tests, doctors diagnosed frozen gait disorder, one of the most severe motor symptoms often linked to Parkinson’s disease.

When asked what the diagnosis meant for her day-to-day life, Ita was blunt.

“I can’t walk,” she said.

“I can’t walk very long distances without support, and it’s a lot easier to travel by wheelchair.”

The former ABC chairwoman admitted the transition had been emotionally confronting.

“Yes, it does take a bit to get used to. I felt embarrassed at first having to use a wheelchair,” she said.

Pressed by Langdon on why she was embarrassed, Buttrose reflected with trademark candour.

“Well, all my pride. I used to have quite a shapely leg and I used to wear lovely shoes. And I’ve been an independent woman ever since I was 15. Now I’m dependent on other people to help me live my life, and it’s a very hard adjustment.”

In an extract from her new memoir published by The Australian, Buttrose wrote that she’s come to appreciate the challenges faced by people with physical disabilities.

“Before I leave home, I always have to check out wherever I want to visit,” she explained.

The media personality said she still feels “angry” at times because her independence has been “compromised”.

She has given up walking, once a daily ritual with her late dog Cleo, and sold her beloved Mittagong home because she could no longer manage it alone.

“I know I echo other people my age who planned for an independent, active older age and instead were dealt a challenging hand,” she said.

Still, Buttrose remains hopeful.

“I like to think there’s a researcher somewhere in the world on the brink of discovering some form of successful treatment,” she said.

Despite her struggles, Ita told Langdon she hasn’t lost her sense of humour or zest for life.

When asked what “fun” means to her these days, she grinned.

“Making whoopee,” she quipped.