“He Just Keeps Going”: Stevie Nicks Says Of Michael J. Fox’s Fight Against Parkinson’s
Stevie Nicks took center stage in New York City on November 16, lending her voice and star power to a cause close to many hearts. The 76-year-old Fleetwood Mac legend performed at A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s, an annual gala hosted by The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF). The evening celebrated resilience, community, and the relentless fight against Parkinson’s disease, with all proceeds going toward groundbreaking research.
Michael J. Fox, the iconic Back to the Future star, was at the heart of the event. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991, Michael went public with his journey in 1998 and has since dedicated his life to advocacy. His foundation, launched in 2001, has raised over $2 billion to date. Stevie shared her admiration for Michael’s unwavering commitment, saying, “He is here tonight. And he just keeps going. He got this pretty early. A long time ago. He’s had an amazing career, and he is the face of this. And when they asked me if I wanted to do this, I said of course I want to do it, you know?” she stated.
Stevie couldn’t hide her admiration for Michael’s determination and character. “He’s such a lovely guy,” she said, adding, “He could have just given up on all this kind of thing a long time ago and he didn’t.”
She even called him “an amazing guitar player,” adding a personal touch to her praise.
The event, held at Cipriani South Street, was a star-studded affair. Stevie, dressed in a chic all-black ensemble, posed alongside Michael, who looked dashing in a navy suit and brown paisley-print shirt. Joining them on the red carpet were Michael’s wife, Tracy Pollan, and fellow musician Maggie Rogers. Guests enjoyed electrifying performances, including a collaborative set featuring Michael and Maggie, which brought extra energy to the evening.
Michael spoke about his enduring sense of humor and its role in his journey. Admitting that it is hard for him to maintain his sense of humor, he stated, “I gotta to keep it intact.”
He described the night as “so exciting,” reflecting on the kindness of those who have supported him over the years. “I can’t believe — a lot of these people I’ve known for years and years — they’re so kind to me. I think because they see an opportunity for a win, for a big advancement, and that’s what we’re working toward.”
Since its launch, the MJFF has achieved remarkable milestones, including raising $116 million through its annual gala alone. Earlier this year, the foundation held another successful fundraiser, A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s, in Nashville, featuring performances by Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town, and Jason Isbell.
Michael remains steadfast in his mission to amplify the voices of those affected by Parkinson’s. In a 2023 interview with CBS Mornings, he explained his passion for advocacy: “They didn’t have money, they didn’t have a voice, and I thought, I could step in for these people and raise some hell. It’s not a cure. But it’s a big spotlight on where we need to go, and what we need to focus on so we know we’re on the right path, and we’re very proud.”
