The hills are alive with the melodic voice of Dame Julie Andrews, as she makes a rare and delightful appearance in a video to inaugurate the annual World Parkinson's Congress conference, sharing her unwavering support for the organization. "Good evening, everyone," Julie warmly greets in the May 24 video, "I'm Julie Andrews, and I'm thrilled to welcome you to the seventh World Parkinson's Congress. Your invaluable participation is crucial as we strive to discover a cure for this devastating disease."
"I am acutely aware of the devastating impact it can have," she continues, her voice filled with empathy. "May we all become beacons of hope, shining a light to halt this disease in its tracks. I stand as a steadfast red thread, counting myself in. Thank you."
The Princess Diaries star conveys this message while seated in a cozy white chair by a window, exuding a sense of warmth and comfort. For this rare video appearance, she opts for a simple yet elegant look, wearing a white turtleneck shirt under a gray crewneck sweatshirt. She accessorizes her outfit with a long golden chain and chunky matching earrings, adding a touch of sophistication to her appearance.
As Julie, who shares Emma Walton Hamilton, 63, with her ex-husband Tony Walton, and daughters Amy Leigh Edwards, 52, and Joanna Lynne Edwards, 48, with late husband Blake Edwards, embraces her 90s, she continues to enjoy a thriving and abundant career. In addition to voicing Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton for four seasons, she recently revealed that she and Emma—who have collaborated on 30 books over the past 25 years—have reissued their 2010 children's book The Great American Mousical.
The Sound of Music actress expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work with her daughter on this project, especially after a 1997 throat surgery left her unable to continue singing professionally. "I would go completely mad if I didn't have something lovely to work on," she told Forbes in 2023. "Since my throat surgery, I've turned to this with Emma, and it's been such a joy. It has been very refreshing for me and revitalizing in a way, because of course, it was a very sad event."
Despite this, she acknowledges how fortunate she is to thrive in such a competitive industry. "I've just been incredibly lucky in my career," Julie adds. "The opportunities, the mentors—somehow being in the right place at the right moment—none of it was really planned. Things don't just land on your desk every second, but surprises do happen, and I just think nobody has been more fortunate than I have been."
