Bill Ritter announced his Alzheimer’s diagnosis and his retirement from television
16 june 2026 в 01:02
Bill Ritter, familiar to New York television viewers for nearly three decades, recently announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and is stepping down as the news anchor at WABC. This seasoned Eyewitness News anchor revealed his condition on air on June 12, 2026, noting that he had experienced symptoms for several years before receiving the diagnosis.
Three days later, during an appearance on Good Morning America, Ritter explained why he decided to speak about his illness, saying, «I felt I had to be honest with the viewers». He is now focused on treatment, family, and raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.
Ritter is an experienced television journalist, best known for his long career at WABC-TV in New York. He joined the station in 1998 and became a regular anchor for Eyewitness News, hosting the evening news broadcasts at 11 and later at 6 PM.
Over nearly three decades, Ritter has covered significant local, national, and international events, and has worked on ABC News programs, including 20/20. He has become one of the most recognizable faces in the New York media market.
Ritter stepped down from his anchoring position following his early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He announced this on the air during Eyewitness News on June 12, 2026, explaining that he wants to focus on his health while he still has the opportunity to enjoy time with his family. «There are no guarantees, because there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s», - he said. «So, if someone doesn’t find an amazing cure very soon, today will be the last news broadcast I anchor».
Although he is stepping away from daily news anchoring, Ritter stated that he plans to remain involved with WABC and ABC News, covering issues related to Alzheimer’s disease and helping to raise awareness about the condition.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder and the most common cause of dementia. This condition affects memory, thinking, and behavior as brain cells are damaged over time. Early symptoms often include difficulty remembering names, conversations, or recent events, while more advanced stages can make communication, decision-making, and performing daily tasks challenging. While treatment can help manage symptoms and slow progression, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Ritter reported that he is receiving treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s and remains optimistic about his future. During his appearance on Good Morning America in June 2026, he shared that he first noticed symptoms about two years before his diagnosis, including difficulties remembering names and places. Initially, he attributed the changes to stress and a demanding work schedule before seeking medical evaluation.
Ritter noted that his treatment helps keep the disease «under control», - and he intends to use his platform to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and research in the field. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he expressed gratitude for the support of his family, colleagues, and viewers
Three days later, during an appearance on Good Morning America, Ritter explained why he decided to speak about his illness, saying, «I felt I had to be honest with the viewers». He is now focused on treatment, family, and raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease.
Ritter is an experienced television journalist, best known for his long career at WABC-TV in New York. He joined the station in 1998 and became a regular anchor for Eyewitness News, hosting the evening news broadcasts at 11 and later at 6 PM.
Over nearly three decades, Ritter has covered significant local, national, and international events, and has worked on ABC News programs, including 20/20. He has become one of the most recognizable faces in the New York media market.
Ritter stepped down from his anchoring position following his early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He announced this on the air during Eyewitness News on June 12, 2026, explaining that he wants to focus on his health while he still has the opportunity to enjoy time with his family. «There are no guarantees, because there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s», - he said. «So, if someone doesn’t find an amazing cure very soon, today will be the last news broadcast I anchor».
Although he is stepping away from daily news anchoring, Ritter stated that he plans to remain involved with WABC and ABC News, covering issues related to Alzheimer’s disease and helping to raise awareness about the condition.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder and the most common cause of dementia. This condition affects memory, thinking, and behavior as brain cells are damaged over time. Early symptoms often include difficulty remembering names, conversations, or recent events, while more advanced stages can make communication, decision-making, and performing daily tasks challenging. While treatment can help manage symptoms and slow progression, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Ritter reported that he is receiving treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s and remains optimistic about his future. During his appearance on Good Morning America in June 2026, he shared that he first noticed symptoms about two years before his diagnosis, including difficulties remembering names and places. Initially, he attributed the changes to stress and a demanding work schedule before seeking medical evaluation.
Ritter noted that his treatment helps keep the disease «under control», - and he intends to use his platform to promote awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and research in the field. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he expressed gratitude for the support of his family, colleagues, and viewers
© Artemenko Olga
