In a sad end of a career for well-liked WABC TV anchor Bill Ritter, he said during the conclusion of his broadcast of Friday, June 12’s Eyewitness News that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease that is apparently already somewhat advanced, and so he was signing off for the last time unless someone manages to find a cure before he is too far gone.
As background, the 76-year-old Mr. Ritter is a very long-serving host for WABC, having been with the network for nearly three decades–as he started in 1998–and having helmed the Eyewitness News program at 6 pm every evening since 2001. Such has made him a beloved constant in the homes of many, particularly in the New York area, over the past two and a half decades.
Briefly describing his diagnosis and what is next in life for him, Ritter told viewers, “After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s.” Continuing, the beloved host added, “This is called ‘early stage’ Alzheimer’s, and they say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay, at least for now.”
However, he added that there are no guarantees in life, particularly for a cureless disease like Alzheimer’s, and so he will have to step away from his longtime 6 pm role. “But there is no guarantee, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s. So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor,” he said.
Still, Mr. Ritter said he will remain with Eyewitness News in a new role, as he will be covering “the rising tide of Alzheimer’s, and other similar diseases, including how it’s affecting patients and their families, how the price of treatment and the price of caring for patients is simply unaffordable and how this country might begin to change that.”
“It is not easy for me to say all that to you, our viewers and the people I work with, like the man I’ve worked with for 25 and a half years, our producer, and my friend, Zahir Sachedina,” Mr. Ritter also said, noting how hard it is to step away from something he has spent so much of his life doing.
Then, commenting on the state of his show and how it reflects immigrant-filled New York, he said, “I believe we are the longest-running, behind-the-scenes newscast team ever here, and maybe anywhere – a Muslim producer, and a Jewish anchor – for 25 and a half years. It’s what the melting pot of New York and the Tri-State – and I would hope the country – is all about.”
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And, thanking other members of the team as he signed off for the last time, Mr. Ritter said, “I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you with the truth and the facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that. But for now, I wish you health and peace. And let’s take care of each other.”
Watch him here:
A message from the legendary Bill Ritter.
We are praying and pulling for you my friend.
It’s been the greatest honor of my career to share the stage with you. pic.twitter.com/7Jm6VIQBcm
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) June 13, 2026
Ritter’s announcement drew praise of him from New Yorkers of all political stripes. Even Governor Kathy Hochul joined in, saying, “Bill Ritter has informed and inspired New Yorkers for generations. I had the opportunity to speak with him today, and the grace and optimism that have made him such a beloved figure were evident, even in the face of challenging news. Wishing Bill and his family strength, comfort, and all the best in the days ahead.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video