Robbie Williams expresses concern for father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease

Pop star Robbie Williams has opened up over his fears for his beloved father Pete in his battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He says he is concerned his father, a singer and comic, is not taking care of himself well enough.

And the 49-year-old admits he is masking the pain of seeing Pete’s fight by focusing on his family.

The former Take That star said he finds it tough living in California and Switzerland while his dad remains in Stoke.

Robbie said: “We don’t see each other very often, but I call him. He doesn’t take very good care of himself.

“My dad really should change a few key things to make him feel better. But he doesn’t. It’s hard for me to have to see that happening.”

His comments come as Pete, 72, recovers from a spinal bone break following a fall in February.

He has shared photos on social media from hospital but hit back after someone pointed out his famous son hadn’t taken to Twitter to send some public well wishes.

In his response, Pete added: “For the record…Rob and I do not communicate on social media we speak on the phone.”

To keep his mind occupied, father-of-four Robbie has said he concentrates on raising his family with US actress wife Ayda Field.

Speaking to a German magazine, the Millennium singer, who is touring Europe, said: “Nobody likes the thought of death. I avoid dealing with it because it’s too painful.”

“I am focusing on satisfying my own selfish needs right now. That’s my coping strategy.”