In September of the previous year, Fonda disclosed that she had received a diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Speaking openly with Entertainment Tonight, she remarked, “I’m not going to be around for much longer.”
She continued, reflecting on her age, “When you get to be my age, you better be aware of the amount of time that is behind you, as opposed to in front of you. I mean, that’s just realistic.”
After revealing her cancer diagnosis, Fonda shared that she would undergo chemotherapy treatment. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “So, my dear friends, I have something personal I want to share. I’ve been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and have started chemo treatments. This is a very treatable cancer. 80% of people survive, so I feel very lucky.”
Acknowledging her privilege, she added, “I’m also lucky because I have health insurance and access to the best doctors and treatments. I realize, and it’s painful, that I am privileged in this. Almost every family in America has had to deal with cancer at one time or another, and far too many don’t have access to the quality health care I am receiving, and this is not right.”
Expressing her readiness for what lies ahead, she told ET, “I’ve had a great life. Not that I want to go, but I’m aware that it’s going to be sooner rather than later.”