Beloved actress and singer Julie Andrews has made a rare public appearance, sharing a special video message for attendees at the seventh annual World Parkinson’s Congress conference.

The 90-year-old Academy Award winner appeared in a recorded address over the weekend, marking one of her first public appearances in recent years. During the message, Andrews encouraged participants and researchers working toward better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

A Message of Hope

Addressing conference attendees, Andrews emphasized the importance of their efforts and acknowledged the impact the disease has on countless families around the world.

“Your participation is invaluable as we seek to find a cure to this terrible disease,” she said, adding that she understands how devastating Parkinson’s can be and expressing hope for future breakthroughs.

The legendary performer appeared seated comfortably at home during the recording, wearing a simple gray sweatshirt layered over a white turtleneck and accessorized with gold jewelry.

First Appearance in Years

The video marks Andrews’ most notable public appearance since 2023, when she attended the taping of a television special honoring her longtime friend, actress and comedian Carol Burnett.

The two stars have shared a friendship spanning more than six decades. Over the years, Andrews has often spoken warmly about their close bond, describing an immediate connection formed through their similar life experiences and challenging early years.

Finding New Ways to Share Her Voice

Although Andrews lost much of her singing ability following a throat surgery in 1997, she has continued to connect with audiences through writing, storytelling and children’s literature projects.

In a 2024 interview promoting the audiobook “Waiting in the Wings,” which she created alongside her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, Andrews reflected on coming to terms with the loss of her singing voice.

She recalled how her daughter helped her see that storytelling and narration offered a new way to reach people, a perspective she says changed how she viewed that difficult chapter of her life.

An Enduring Legacy

Best known for iconic roles in films such as “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music,” Andrews remains one of Hollywood’s most admired performers. Her latest appearance served as a reminder of the grace, resilience and optimism that have defined her remarkable career for decades.

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