Rebecca King-Crews Reveals She’s Been Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Apr 07, 2026 by apost team

Rebecca King-Crews has opened up about her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, sharing her personal journey from early symptoms to treatment and renewed hope.  In an interview on NBC’s TODAY show, she revealed that her symptoms began in 2012, though it took until 2015 for doctors to confirm the condition after years of uncertainty.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can cause tremors, stiffness, and coordination difficulties. Symptoms can vary widely and often lead to delayed diagnosis, particularly in early stages.

King-Crews' early warning signs included numbness in her foot, a developing limp, and eventually tremors. Despite recognizing that something was wrong, she said her symptoms were initially dismissed.

“Trying to keep my invisible illness to myself after being told by doctors it was just ‘part of being a woman,’” she explained, reflecting on the challenges of being taken seriously. Over time, King-Crews found tremors especially difficult, impacting everyday tasks such as writing or brushing her teeth.

However, she remained determined to continue her work and creative projects. “Just keep going. And that's what I'm going to keep doing,” she said. Her decision to speak publicly reflects a desire to raise awareness and support others facing similar challenges, especially those struggling to receive a timely diagnosis.

As part of her treatment journey, King-Crews underwent a procedure known as focused ultrasound, a non-invasive technique designed to reduce movement-related symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. The treatment uses targeted ultrasound waves guided by MRI to affect specific brain regions associated with tremors and motor control. Focused ultrasound has been approved for treating certain Parkinson’s symptoms and essential tremor.

In detail, it offers an alternative for patients who may not be candidates for more invasive procedures such as deep-brain stimulation. The notes that while the therapy can produce noticeable improvements, it is not a cure and is typically used alongside medication. Following the procedure, King-Crews reported meaningful progress:

“I’m able to write my name and my dates, and I’m able to write with my right hand for the first time in probably three years.”

She also experienced improved balance and reduced tremors on one side of her body, though she continues to manage symptoms on the other side. Her experience highlights both the potential and limitations of emerging treatments. While focused ultrasound can significantly improve quality of life, it remains part of a broader treatment plan rather than a standalone solution. Beyond the medical aspects, King-Crews emphasized resilience and perspective, reinforcing her commitment to staying active and engaged:

“I believe that you don't lay down and die because you got a diagnosis.” 

Her husband, actor Terry Crews, has spoken about their shared strength throughout her health journey, describing her as a “superhero” and a central source of support in their family. Their partnership reflects the emotional dimension of living with a chronic illness, where encouragement and resilience play a crucial role. By sharing her story, King-Crews aims to inspire others and draw attention to the importance of early diagnosis, proper care, and ongoing research. Her journey underscores both the challenges of Parkinson’s disease and the evolving possibilities for managing it.

apost.com

Stories like this remind us of the power of resilience. Do you think enough awareness is being raised about Parkinson’s disease? Pass this article along to help spread knowledge and support.