ABC news anchor announces retirement on-air after shocking Alzheimer’s diagnosis — emotional live reveal leaves viewers stunned

ABC New York news anchor Bill Ritter has announced his retirement following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

The 76-year-old journalist made the deeply personal announcement during Friday’s June 12 edition of Eyewitness News at 6, revealing he had been diagnosed after undergoing “a series of tests.”

Ritter explained that the diagnosis came after he had already begun scaling back his duties following his 75th birthday. He had previously stepped away from the 11 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts, but confirmed he is now leaving the anchor desk entirely.

“My goal was to spend more time with my family,” he told viewers. He reflected on recent family milestones, sharing that he became a grandfather a year ago through his eldest daughter, will welcome another grandchild later this summer via his son, and noted that his youngest daughter will graduate high school in a year.

“But spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn,” he said.

Ritter then revealed his diagnosis on-air: “After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s. It’s ‘early stage’ Alzheimer’s, and they say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay. For now.”

He added that there is no guarantee about how the condition will progress, noting: “Unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor.”

Despite stepping away from the anchor role, Ritter told viewers he will remain with Eyewitness News in a new capacity. He will continue working as a journalist focusing on coverage of Alzheimer’s and related diseases, including their impact on patients and families, as well as the rising costs of care and treatment.

Ritter also shared that he has a personal connection to the illness, having lost his father to Alzheimer’s in 1998.

“I’m not a stranger to this disease,” he said. “My dad died with it in June 1998.”

He added that he has long been active in Alzheimer’s awareness efforts and will continue advocacy work alongside colleagues, including Mike Marza, who previously replaced him on the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. broadcasts. Ritter and Marza have also co-hosted Alzheimer’s awareness events together.

Reflecting on his career, Ritter said: “It has been my honor to report the news to all of you, with truth and facts, no matter where they fall. I am going to so miss doing this. But for now, I wish you health and peace. Let’s take care of each other.”

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/