NRL Immortal Wally Lewis has found a significant health boost through his marriage to his second wife, Lynda, as he navigates the challenges of epilepsy and the severe brain condition known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
The legendary figure from the Queensland, Kangaroos, and Broncos teams disclosed his struggle with CTE in 2023. Sources close to him have now shared insights on how Lynda’s presence in his life has been instrumental in helping him manage the devastating impact of the illness.
CTE is primarily diagnosed in individuals who have endured multiple concussions and head traumas. The condition manifests through symptoms such as memory lapses, confusion, impaired decision-making, aggression, depression, and can ultimately lead to progressive dementia.
Lewis has openly acknowledged the toll CTE has taken on his daily life, admitting to instances of losing track of his conversations and repeating himself frequently.
However, those close to the couple have observed the positive influence Lynda has had on Lewis, affectionately known as ‘The King,’ suggesting that her support has made a tangible difference in his well-being.
Wally Lewis is pictured with wife Lynda Adams, who has been a rock for him as he battles the deadly brain condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy
Adams (pictured) has had a huge effect on ‘The King’, according to a member of the couple’s inner circle
Pictured: Scans that show the debilitating effects of CTE on the rugby league icon
But Lynda has had a marked effect on ‘The King’, according to a member of the couple’s inner circle.
‘She does everything for him and runs his life with military precision,’ the insider told New Idea magazine.
‘Everything is diarised, from what time he has his morning coffee to everyday tasks.
‘Wally is in good shape and is doing everything to keep fit and stay ahead of the dementia-type symptoms the condition brings.’
Lewis – who quit his job as a TV newsreader in 2023 due to health reasons – opened up about the effect Lynda has had on his fight to stay healthy.
‘My partner Lynda has been fantastic through it, and has been very patient,’ he told the Howie Games podcast.
‘But the amount of times where I’ve seen this expression on her face – and same with Gene [Lewis’s great mate, footy legend Gene Miles].
‘Seen this expression on their faces. I know that I’ve obviously said something or said it wrong – and I’ll say to her “Have I already said that?”
Lewis previously said Lynda has been ‘fantastic’ during his health fight
Lewis is pictured with his first wife, Jacqueline. Their children did not attend the ceremony when he married Lynda in April last year
‘And she’ll say it doesn’t matter. And I’ll say how many times have I said it, and she’ll say – and I’m putting my fingers up here – two, three, four, five times.
‘The embarrassment of being repetitive is not something I’m looking for, but to be honest I’m kind of past that now. I don’t worry about the embarrassment. I apologise and get on with life.’
Lewis and Adams’ nuptials in April last year were boycotted by his children with his first wife, Jacqueline.
While Lynda’s daughter was front and centre at the ceremony, Lewis’s sons Lincoln and Mitchell, and daughter Jamie-Lee were conspicuously absent – with Lincoln attending an event a short drive away.
Lewis reportedly proposed to Lynda in late 2024, three years after he split with Jacqueline after 36 years of marriage.
The man nicknamed ‘The Emperor of Lang Park’ confirmed his separation from his ex-wife and the mother of his three children in February 2021.
‘This is a deeply personal matter that we do not want to discuss publicly,’ he said.
‘I want to acknowledge the pain and upset my family has gone through since Jacqui and I separated last year. I hope over time we can rebuild our ties and move on with life.’
