Sad very sad news: Legendary talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with frontotemporal
dementia (FTD) and aphasia, news announced by her team on Wednesday. The news comes ahead of the
release of Lifetime’s documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?”
The statement noted that the 59-year-old Williams underwent testing in 2023 when her memory showed
signs of failing and she began to “lose words” and “act erratically.”
FTD is a progressive brain disorder that can impact behavior, personality, language and movement. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia. Bruce Willis has been diagnosed with the same disorder. Aphasia is a condition known to hamper an individual’s ability to communicate.
While the disorders have already presented “significant hurdles for Williams, the statement also noted, “Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”
People reached out to Williams sister and niece, who said Williams currently is staying in a wellness facility. Because she has a court-appointed guardian, they cannot contact Williams, but she can reach out to them.
“I spoke with her yesterday, and I speak with her very regularly when she reaches out to me. She is, from
what I understand, in a wellness, healing type of environment,” her sister, Wanda Finnie, said. “She is in
a healing place emotionally. She’s not the person that you see in [the documentary].”
Lifetime’s documentary “Where is Wendy Williams?” will air on Lifetime at 8:00 PM EST/PST on February 24 and 25, 2024.
