I think we’re hearing about it now because there’s a family disagreement going on, and the daughter or her lawyer thinks public support is needed. His health must’ve gone down fast or someone was posting on his FB page as him up until April 29 of this year. ( https://www.facebook.com/TimConwayOfficial )
I agree with you on your point. We don’t all need to know about someone’s private life just because he or she is famous.
Found an article that states he had brain surgery for water on the brain from head trauma. That probably explains the 2018 FB posts in which he sounds quite lucid. ( http://thelifeandtimesofhollywood.com/tim-conway-missed-carol-burnett-special-due-to-possible-dementia/ )
An interesting article about his life: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christophers/2013/11/tim-conways-hilarious-and-spiritual-life/
A quote from his book: “I think God has placed me in several positions, which I have found humorous. I find humor in life itself, and I can hardly wait to thank Him in person.”