ABC New York Anchor Bill Ritter Announces Retirement Due to Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Categoria: Internacional
Bill Ritter is making a shocking announcement. At the end of the 6pm ET Eyewitness News broadcast on Friday (June […]
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Por Just Jared | 13/06/2026
YouTube Bill Ritter is making a shocking announcement. At the end of the 6pm ET Eyewitness News broadcast on Friday (June 12), the 76-year-old ABC New York anchor announced that he is retiring and revealed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. After turning 75 last year, Bill decided to “cut back at bit,” first by ending his role as the 11pm newscaster then his 5pm role. “My goal was to spend more time with my family,” Bill said. “Now, a year ago, I became a grandfather, thanks to my oldest daughter. And later this summer, I’ll have a second grandchild, thanks to my son. And in a year from now, my youngest daughter will graduate high school.” “But spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn,” he continued, adding that he received the diagnosis after doctors conducted several tests. The beloved news anchor said that he has been diagnosed with “early-stage Alzheimer’s” and that the treatments he’s 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,” Bill continued. “So, unless someone finds an amazing cure and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor. “ In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, a person may still be able to “function independently” but “feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association . After thanking all of his ABC coworkers, BIll spoke about his family. “My kids say, ‘Dad, you’re being so brave with all this,'” he said. “But no, it’s not me who’s brave; it’s they who are brave, as is my wife, Kathleen.” While stepping down from his role as anchor, Bill said that he will continue working at ABC 7 NY, “helping the younger 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 [is] because this station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases.” “I’m not a stranger to this disease,” Bill continued. “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, along with my friend Mike Marza, who took my place, you recall last year on Eyewitness News at 5 and 11. Mike’s grandfather died from this disease, and we have MC’d together many Alzheimer’s awareness events to spread the word.” Bill ended his message by saying, “I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you, with the truth and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor