Former daytime talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, according to a statement from her representatives released on Thursday. The 59-year-old, who hosted "The Wendy Williams Show" for over a decade, underwent a series of medical tests last year which confirmed the conditions. Her representatives revealed that Williams has been receiving the necessary medical care for her primary progressive aphasia, a type of frontotemporal dementia.
The statement addressed concerns that had been raised in recent years about Wendy's ability to process information, with many speculating about her condition as she began to experience difficulties with language, erratic behavior, and challenges with understanding financial transactions. The news of her diagnoses comes ahead of the premiere of a two-part documentary titled "Where Is Wendy Williams?" on the Lifetime network.
The documentary, which stopped filming in April when Williams entered a care center, sheds light on her cognitive issues and reportedly connects them to alcohol use, as shared by her son Kevin Hunter Jr. Williams' family also disclosed that a court-appointed legal guardian is the only individual with “unfettered” access to her. The statement emphasized the importance of raising awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, and expressed gratitude for the support and good wishes being sent to Wendy.
Williams had previously been open about her health battles with Graves' Disease and lymphedema. In 2022, it was announced that her talk show would come to an end due to ongoing health-related issues. Her team shared that the decision to make her diagnoses public was a difficult one, but necessary to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, and to support others facing similar circumstances. They reassured that she is still able to do many things for herself and maintains her trademark sense of humor while receiving the care she requires. The news of Wendy Williams' health conditions has sparked concern and support from fans, as the story continues to develop.
