Updated: February 23, 2026, 08:00 PM IST
Hey there, if you’ve been scrolling through news feeds lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines about Michael Rowland, the longtime ABC News Breakfast presenter, leaving the network after nearly four decades. The big reason? His wife, Nicola “Nicki” Webber, has been dealing with health challenges. People are asking: What is wrong with Michael Rowlands wife? Let’s break it down honestly and clearly—without the sensationalism.
Michael Rowland announced his departure on February 23, 2026, during a live broadcast, sharing that he wants to slow down, spend more time with Nicki and their family, and enjoy a gentler pace after years in the high-pressure world of daily news.
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Who Is Michael Rowland’s Wife, Nicki?
Nicki Webber (often called Nicki) and Michael have been together for a long time—they met as political journalists in Canberra back in the early 2000s and tied the knot in 2002. They’re parents to two grown kids: son Tom (22) and daughter Eleanor (21). From old interviews, it’s clear they’re a tight-knit couple who value family above the spotlight. Nicki has occasionally appeared or been mentioned in Michael’s public life, and viewers have grown familiar with her through his warm on-air references.
The couple has faced family health scares before, like a scary false alarm when their daughter was a toddler (thankfully, it wasn’t cancer). But the recent focus is squarely on Nicki’s well-being.
What Health Issues Has Nicki Faced Recently?
Michael has been open but private about specifics—he hasn’t disclosed the exact diagnosis publicly. In his announcement, he simply said Nicki “has been unwell over the last year or so.” That phrase sparked concern, and some media outlets ran with dramatic angles suggesting something dire.
But Michael quickly set the record straight on social media the same day:
- He thanked everyone for the kind messages.
- He addressed exaggerated headlines implying she was “at death’s door.”
- He confirmed: “Yes, Nicki has been unwell over the last year or so but is well and truly bouncing back.”
- He even shared a light-hearted “proof of life” from a recent wedding they attended in Warrnambool.
So, while the past year has been tough with ongoing health struggles, the latest update (as of February 23, 2026) is positive—she’s recovering and improving. No further details on the condition have been shared, and the family seems to prefer keeping medical specifics private.
Key Facts About Michael Rowland and Nicki’s Situation
Here’s a quick table summarizing the essential info that’s out there:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Wife’s Name | Nicola “Nicki” Webber |
| Marriage Year | 2002 |
| Children | Tom (22), Eleanor (21) |
| Health Timeline | Unwell over the last year or so (roughly 2025 onward) |
| Current Status | Bouncing back, attending events (e.g., wedding in Warrnambool, Feb 2026) |
| Michael’s Career Move | Leaving ABC after 39 years (announced Feb 23, 2026) to prioritize family |
| Public Statement | “Wanting to spend more time with her and family and move at a gentler pace” |
This shows it’s not a sudden crisis but a thoughtful life shift after a challenging period.
Why This Matters—and What We Can Learn
Michael’s decision resonates because it highlights something many of us face: balancing demanding careers with family needs, especially when health enters the picture. After 39 years in news—starting young and covering everything from politics to breaking stories—he’s choosing presence over the daily grind. It’s a reminder that even public figures deal with real-life ups and downs, and sometimes stepping back is the bravest move.
Fans and colleagues have flooded him with support, and it’s heartwarming to see. The couple’s story underscores the importance of family time, resilience, and not letting headlines dictate the narrative.
In the end, there’s nothing “wrong” in a dramatic sense—Nicki has faced health hurdles, but she’s on the mend, and Michael’s prioritizing what matters most. Wishing them both strength, recovery, and plenty of quieter, happier days ahead. Family first, always.