Robert Munsch, the beloved children’s author, is facing health challenges but is not dying, according to his daughter. Julie Munsch took to Facebook to address concerns following a report that her father had been approved for Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program.

In her post, Julie emphasized that her father, who is 80 years old, is currently doing well despite his battle with a degenerative disease. He has been diagnosed with both dementia and Parkinson’s disease. “My dad is doing well but of course with a degenerative disease it can begin to progress quickly at any point,” she wrote.

Julie pointed out that the article did not imply that her father was in poor health or facing imminent death. She stated, “Nowhere in the Times story does it suggest my father isn’t doing well, nor that he’s going to die anytime soon!”

She also clarified that Robert made the decision to apply for MAID five years ago, shortly after his diagnosis. This choice was discussed in a 2021 interview with CBC, where he expressed concerns about his future. “If I were god, in charge of the world, I would make it illegal,” he said when asked about his condition. “I worry about what I’ll be in a year. Will I be a turnip in a bed in a year?”

Robert Munsch, originally from the United States, has lived in Canada since 1975. He is known for writing over 70 children’s books, including well-loved titles such as The Paper Bag Princess and Love You Forever. Julie Munsch thanked the public for their support and well-wishes during this time.