WABC Anchor Bill Ritter Shares Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, Announces Retirement On-Air
Bill Ritter is opening up about his private health battle.
The veteran broadcast journalist shared he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, forcing him to step down from his post at Eyewitness News.
“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter said during the June 12 ABC 7 NY newscast. “This is called ‘early stage’ Alzheimer’s, and they say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay, at least for now.”
“But there is no guarantee here, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s,” he added. “So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor.”
Indeed, Ritter—dad to three kids with wife Kathleen Friery—emphasized that since receiving his diagnosis, “spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn.”
But he won’t be stepping away from the news desk for good. After all, the 76-year-old—who has been with WABC since 1998—will continue to work at the network station to mentor the next generation of journalists.
“I’m also going to remain a journalist here at Eyewitness News, and so you will still see me on air and online,” he said. “One reason, because this station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases.”
And even before Ritter was diagnosed with the disease—which causes brain cells to die over time, according Mayo Clinic—the cause was personal to him.
Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
“I’m not a stranger to this disease,” he said. “My dad died with it in June 1998. I have since been active in the fight to stop Alzheimer’s, and I will continue doing that.”
And as he continues to fight for himself and others, Ritter not only thanked WABC for treating him with “compassion and humanity and love” during this difficult chapter, but he also expressed gratitude towards his loved ones.
“As for my family, my kids say, ‘Dad, you’re being so brave in all this,’” he said. “But no–it’s not me, it’s them who are being brave. As is my wife Kathleen.”
“I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you,” he added, “with the truth, and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that. For now, I wish you health and peace, and let’s take care of each other.”
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