Amanda Keller Shares Heartbreaking Update on Husband Harley Oliver’s Parkinson’s Battle — And the Family Strength Getting Them Through

A rare glimpse into life behind closed doors

Amanda Keller has offered a deeply personal look at the reality of life as her husband Harley Oliver continues living with Parkinson’s disease, revealing how their family has navigated some of the most difficult years of their lives while choosing to hold on to hope.

The beloved Australian radio and television personality, 64, rarely speaks publicly about her husband’s health. But in a candid interview with The Courier-Mail’s QWeekender, she reflected on the emotional challenges they continue to face and the mindset that helps her keep moving forward.

Amanda and Harley have been married for nearly 36 years and are parents to two sons, Liam, 24, and Jack, 22.

Harley’s Parkinson’s diagnosis changed everything

The family first revealed Harley Oliver’s Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2023, although the New Zealand-born television producer is understood to have been living with the progressive neurological condition privately for several years before sharing the news publicly.

While the family has chosen not to disclose details about Harley’s specific form of Parkinson’s disease, Amanda acknowledged that the diagnosis has reshaped every aspect of their lives.

Despite the uncertainty that comes with the illness, she says she works hard not to let the hardest moments define their story.

Finding light in life’s darkest moments

Amanda revealed that one of the greatest sources of support has been working with a kinesiologist, who has helped her process the emotional weight of caring for a loved one with a progressive illness.

She recalled advice that has stayed with her through the toughest periods.

“She said, ‘Here is the circle of your life and the dark part is this.’ Harley infuses all of it, my dad infuses all of it, but the hard, yucky bit is not the whole circle, so don’t live in that small bit.”

That perspective has encouraged Amanda to focus on everything that still brings joy — the life she has built with Harley, their sons, and the memories and legacy they continue to share.

“All the great things about Harley, and our lives, our boys, and legacy and all those wonderful things, there’s so much sunshine in that to not just dwell in the dark bit.”

‘Some of the toughest years’

Even with that positive outlook, Amanda admits there are days when staying optimistic feels incredibly difficult.

The Jonesy & Amanda co-host described recent years as “some of the toughest” her family has experienced, acknowledging that maintaining perspective is often easier said than done.

Still, she remains firmly grounded by what matters most.

“I’ve always had a pretty good idea about what matters most. I love my work, but family has always come first.”

She also spoke proudly about the way her family has responded to Harley’s health challenges.

“I’m incredibly proud of the way our family is dealing with my husband’s health challenges. We are very tight knit, and our sons are remarkable young men.”

A moving television moment that hit close to home

Amanda also revealed that filming the second season of ABC’s The Piano unexpectedly brought her own emotions to the surface.

In the opening episode, she watched contestant Erin perform an original lullaby for her father, former rugby league star Steve Mortimer, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

As Erin spoke about the heartbreak of watching her father’s personality slowly disappear and seeing her mother become his full-time carer, Amanda admitted the story resonated deeply with her own family’s experience.

Visibly emotional, she quietly said:

“There’s a lot about that story that resonates with me.”

“But that’s for another time.”

Learning to face life’s changing chapters together

Amanda has previously spoken about Harley’s illness during a heartfelt appearance on ABC’s The Assembly in September 2024, explaining that she and her husband have responded to the diagnosis in very different ways.

She described Harley as remarkably calm and resilient, even as their lives continue to change.

“He’s so good with it, in a way that I’m not, actually.”

Amanda reflected that although watching someone you love face a progressive illness is incredibly painful, there is also something deeply meaningful about sharing every stage of life’s journey together.

“We’re learning to find ourselves in the midst of changing circumstances.”

She added that being able to stand beside someone through every chapter of life is a privilege she never takes for granted.

“I love him very much, even though we’ve got some stuff going on.”

A family choosing hope over fear

While Parkinson’s disease continues to bring uncertainty into their lives, Amanda Keller says she refuses to let it become the defining story of her family.

Instead, she continues to draw strength from nearly four decades of marriage, the unwavering support of Harley, and the close bond she shares with their two sons.

For Amanda, the difficult moments are real, but they are only one part of a much bigger picture—one built on love, resilience, gratitude and a family determined to face every new chapter together.