“My Life Has Taken a Turn” — ABC7 Legend Bill Ritter Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis on Air in Emotional Farewell That Stunned Viewers

ABC7 New York anchor Bill Ritter has shared a deeply emotional on-air announcement, revealing that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and will step away from anchoring duties after decades behind the news desk.

“Unless someone finds an amazing cure and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor,” he said, marking a powerful and heartbreaking moment for both colleagues and viewers.

Ritter explained during Friday’s broadcast of Eyewitness News on ABC7 in New York that his decision follows medical tests confirming early-stage Alzheimer’s, forcing a major shift in his broadcasting career.

“I’d like to share a very personal message with you,” he began, noting that he had already transitioned from the 11 p.m. slot to earlier broadcasts in recent years to spend more time with his family.

“But spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn,” Ritter said. “After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s. 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 continued with the announcement that, barring a breakthrough cure, his final night anchoring would be that broadcast.

“So, unless someone finds an amazing cure and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor. It’s not easy for me to say all that to you, our viewers, and the people I work with,” he said.

In an emotional message, Ritter paid tribute to his colleagues and reflected on his family life, sharing that his children had called him “brave,” though he insisted the true strength belonged to his wife Kathleen and their family.

“My kids say, ‘Dad, you’re being so brave with all this.’ But no, it’s not me who’s brave — it’s they who are brave, as is my wife, Kathleen,” he said.

Despite stepping back from anchoring, Ritter confirmed he will not be leaving ABC7 entirely. Instead, he will continue working in a reduced role, supporting younger journalists and contributing to Eyewitness News in a different capacity.

“I’m going to continue working right here at ABC7,” he said. “I will continue helping the younger journalists here at Eyewitness News… I’m also going to remain a journalist here at Eyewitness News, and so you will still see me on air and online.”

The station also plans to continue reporting on Alzheimer’s disease, its impact on patients and families, and the challenges surrounding treatment costs and care access.

Ritter also shared a personal connection to the illness, revealing that his father passed away with Alzheimer’s in 1998, and that he has long been involved in awareness efforts.

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

Closing his announcement, Ritter expressed gratitude to viewers and colleagues.

“It has been my honor to do just that. But for now, I wish you health and peace. Let’s take care of each other,” he said.

Bill Ritter began his journalism career at KTTV and KCAL in Los Angeles and KNSD in San Diego before joining ABC as co-anchor of Good Morning America Sunday in 1993. He later became a key face of Eyewitness News, anchoring multiple time slots from 1999 through his final broadcast era.

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