“Some Stuff Going On!” Rebecca Gibney Reveals Private Family Heartbreak Over Tragic Health Battles
‘Some stuff going on’: Rebecca Gibney reveals private family heartbreak on social media as beloved mum and pet battle health issues
Beloved TV star Rebecca Gibney has shared an emotional update with fans after stepping back from social media, revealing she’s been quietly dealing with family health battles behind the scenes.
Rebecca Gibney has revealed the private family struggles that prompted her recent social media break, sharing that both her beloved mother and family dog have been battling serious health issues.
The 61-year-old New Zealand-Australian actress took to Instagram on Wednesday to reassure fans she had not “disappeared”, posting a heartfelt collage of personal photos including a smiling selfie and an image of her 91-year-old mother Shirley in hospital.
“Hello friends, just a wee update. I haven’t disappeared – there has just been some ‘stuff’ going on,” Gibney wrote in the lengthy caption.
“Firstly- Mama Shirl is in hospital and has been dealing with a few issues but is doing well – anyone that follows me knows and loves Mum so thought I should share that – please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she climbs yet another mountain.”
The former Packed to the Rafters star also revealed her “wee pup Lolly” had been dealing with health complications, but assured followers the dog was now recovering well.
“She’s had a few health issues,” Gibney explained, before adding that “the drugs are awesome” and that Lolly was “well on the road to recovery”.
The 61-year-old New Zealand-Australian actress took to Instagram on Wednesday to reassure fans she had not “disappeared”, posting a heartfelt collage of personal photos including a smiling selfie. Picture: Instagram @rebeccagibney_
She also shared an image of her 91-year-old mother Shirley in hospital. Picture: Instagram @rebeccagibney_
Despite the difficult period, Gibney said she had been finding comfort in spending time gardening, being with her husband Richard Bell and catching up with her older brother.
Still, the actress admitted she had been struggling with the state of the world around her.
“I think the world is a bit nutso right now and it feels like we’re in a version of The Truman Show sometimes,” she wrote, referencing the iconic 1998 film centred on a man who discovers his entire life has secretly been a reality television show.
“But there are still good good people out there, nature is awesome and if you focus on doing a wee bit of good every day – you’ll feel better. Even if it’s pulling some weeds away from a tiny native tree…”
The emotional update comes just weeks after the Marlborough-based mother-of-one announced she was taking a break from social media to “reconnect” with herself and her family.
In an earlier Instagram post shared on April 3, the actress admitted she had become overwhelmed by constant scrolling and negativity online. Picture: Instagram @rebeccagibney_
The actress also addressed the public reaction to her recent revelation that she had been diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life. Picture: Instagram @rebeccagibney_
In an earlier Instagram post shared on April 3, the actress admitted she had become overwhelmed by constant scrolling and negativity online.
“I’ve been spending way too much time staring at my phone looking at either bad news, products I don’t want, snippets from peoples lives that I don’t know,” she wrote at the time.
“Apart from the funnies – which we all need – I’m finding it all a waste of very precious time. I have stopped fully living in the present and I need to reconnect with my hubby, my dogs and myself.”
Gibney also addressed the public reaction to her recent revelation that she had been diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life.
The actress, who appeared on the cover of The Australian Women’s Weekly in March, thanked fans for their overwhelming support following the announcement.
“Thank you for the overwhelmingly supportive response to my recent post around my adhd/ASD diagnosis,” she wrote. “I have read all the comments and am very appreciative of the kindness.”
However, the actress also took aim at critics who dismissed her diagnosis or accused her of “jumping on the bandwagon”.
“Alas there has also been a little backlash so I just wanted to say to the people that responded with ‘get over it’, ‘it’s not cancer’, ‘stop jumping on the bandwagon’ and ‘nobody cares’- just a wee word of advice.
“If you don’t know the full story of someone’s life – please don’t make assumptions or fire off petty comments,” she said.
“I have lived most of my life misdiagnosed with severe anxiety (45 years of it) I was raised in a home with extreme domestic violence and I have suffered depression so to tell someone to ‘get over it’ is really not helpful.”
Gibney said she hoped opening up about her experiences would help others feel less isolated.
“I have shared my story so that people who are struggling know they are not alone,” she explained.
Earlier this month, the actress also spoke candidly to Woman’s Day NZ about stepping into the hosting role on Network 10’s Millionaire Hot Seat, admitting she initially battled self-doubt over taking on the high-profile job.
Rebecca Gibney and her son Zac Bell attend the 65th TV WEEK Logie Awards at the Star, Sydney, on August 3, 2025. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer
“I had impostor syndrome,” she admitted.
“This is not my wheelhouse. I’m not a game show host – I’m an actor. As much as I’m masking it and pretending that I know what I’m doing, I’ve got no idea.”
But Gibney said it was ultimately her mother who encouraged her to embrace the opportunity, telling her: “Darling, this is an opportunity for you to give back to all those people who have supported you over the years.”