Wendy Williams, the renowned talk show host, has been candid about her recent health battles, revealing her diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). In a heartfelt statement, Wendy expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support and well-wishes she has received from fans and the public. Despite these challenges, Wendy maintains her signature sense of humor and is receiving the care she needs.
Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Despite her condition, she remains upbeat and is receiving the necessary care. She has expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and emphasized the importance of compassion and unity. Wendy continues to manage many aspects of her life and maintains her sense of humor, all while receiving professional medical support and focusing on her health​ (Entertainment Tonight)​.
In addition to her health updates, Wendy is the focus of a new Lifetime documentary titled “Where Is Wendy Williams?”. The documentary, which Wendy executive produced, delves into her personal and professional life, chronicling her journey and offering a raw and intimate look at her experiences. The film aims to set the record straight from Wendy’s perspective, covering her struggles with health and addiction, and highlighting the unwavering support from her family and fans.
The documentary also addresses Wendy’s battle with alcohol addiction, which led to her entering a treatment facility in April 2023. The move was prompted by concerns from her son and manager about the potentially fatal consequences of her addiction. Wendy’s niece, Alex Finnie, emphasized the importance of the documentary in allowing Wendy to take ownership of her narrative and share her story on her terms.
Despite the difficulties posed by her diagnoses, Wendy’s resilience and strength shine through. Her story is one of hope and determination, inspiring others facing similar challenges. The support from the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and the broader community has been instrumental in Wendy’s journey, underscoring the power of unity and compassion.
As Wendy continues to navigate her health issues, she remains a beloved figure, appreciated for her honesty and bravery. The documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?” serves as a testament to her enduring spirit and the profound impact she has had on her fans and the entertainment industry.
Wendy Williams Opens Up About Her Parenting Struggles
The legendary talk show host, who spent more than two years in a high-end dementia care facility, recently shared her perspective on her complex parenting struggles in a recent The Cut cover story.
Wendy Williams — who, despite a reported diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, insisted she was not in such a restrictive environment and was not “cognitively impaired” — spoke to the outlet by phone. During the conversation, she described the facility as a “dump,” asking, “Did you see people? Old people? Why would I want to see that?”
Once-lively star battling declining health
Former daytime TV powerhouse Wendy Williams is now battling serious health struggles as she develops early-onset dementia. New court filings obtained by PEOPLE reveal that her guardian, Sabrina E. Morrissey said Williams is “cognitively impaired, permanently disabled and legally incompetent.”
Her efforts to reclaim her career after The Wendy Williams Show abruptly ended in 2022 due to health issues were recently chronicled in a documentary. What really captivated viewers, though, were the raw and emotional scenes depicting her deteriorating memory and difficulty maintaining coherent conversations. Diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia (FTD), she now faces enormous challenges both personally and professionally.
At its peak, The Wendy Williams Show was known for its fiery celebrity interviews and Williams’ unfiltered opinions, which drew an estimated 12 million viewers. As host, she earned about $55,000 per episode — more than $10 million annually. Yet today, at 59, she battles the illness under court-ordered guardianship, a stark reminder of how quickly life can change.
Her situation is reminiscent of the late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, who lost his life to colon cancer at just 43 years old. As a physician, I have seen many ambitious individuals like Williams and Boseman whose dreams were derailed by life’s unexpected twists and turns.
This raises an important question: What truly defines success? Is it the average earner who prioritizes family time — dinner, weekends, vacations — or the millionaire constantly chasing wealth and fame, who is rarely there for loved ones?
Consent and Guardianship Legal Battles
As Williams’ condition continues to deteriorate, her guardian claims she is now “permanently disabled” due to primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
In a court filing earlier this month, which was reviewed by several outlets, Morrissey’s lawyers argued that the 60-year-old woman has become “cognitively impaired, permanently disabled and incapacitated” as a result of dementia. They also argue that Williams lacked the capacity to give informed consent to be filmed for Lifetime’s controversial “Where’s Wendy Williams?” documentary.
The series chronicles her health struggles, her life after The Wendy Williams Show and her ongoing parenting struggles. Since its release, it has been embroiled in legal disputes involving A&E Television Networks, Lifetime Entertainment and others involved in the production.