Bill Ritter Shares Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, Eyewitness News Retirement
‘Duck Dynasty’ Star Phil Robertson’s Son Shares “Blunt Truth” About His Alzheimer’s Battle
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.
