Full Breakdown
Bill Ritter Announces Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, Steps Down from Anchor Desk
6/15/2026, 10:11:37 PM
Announcement and Immediate Aftermath
On June 12, 2026, ABC 7 New York anchor Bill Ritter announced on the 6 p.m. “Eyewitness News” broadcast that he had an early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis and would retire from anchor desk. He expanded on June 15 on “Good Morning America,” saying he disclosed the news to be honest with viewers and to raise disease awareness.
Career Overview and Timeline
Ritter began anchoring WABC’s 11 p.m. newscast in 1999 and added the 6 p.m. edition in 2001, becoming a New York staple for 25 years. In 2025 he cut the 11 p.m. and 5 p.m. slots to focus on the 6 p.m. broadcast. Around 2024 he first noticed memory lapses. After his June 12, 2026 diagnosis, he announced shift to ABC 7 role focused on engagement.
Early Symptoms and Decision to Seek Diagnosis
Ritter said the first signs were “forgetting people’s names and places,” a change his wife Kathleen also noticed. Even after the trimmed schedule gave him “decent night’s sleep … for 25 years,” the forgetfulness continued, leading couple to decide, “You gotta get tested.” A medical evaluation confirmed early-stage Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Disease Data and Statistics
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list Alzheimer’s as seventh leading cause of death among adults, affecting millions nationwide. It appears after age 60, risk rises with age, and no cure exists.
Personal Impact and Family Perspective
Ritter noted Alzheimer’s “gobbles up families,” recalling his father’s 1998 death. He emphasized emotional burden on spouses and children, calling his family “the real tough ones.” Sharing his story, he hopes to destigmatize testing and promote early detection.
Official Statements & Responses
Ritter urged to seek evaluation, symptoms appear, calling detection “an important thing.” He said diagnosis frightened him and thoughts turned to wife and children. He affirmed he will stay at ABC 7 in a mentorship and advocacy role. WABC General Manager Marilu Galvez praised him as “a defining presence” and confirmed involvement in coverage and community outreach.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I realize I was forgetting people's names and places,” — Bill Ritter, ABC 7 anchor
- “That really was an important thing. A lot of people say, ‘I’m fine, don’t worry about it, I’m going to be fine.’ No. You gotta go do this.” — Bill Ritter
- “My first reaction was I thought about my dad, that was immediate -- he just popped into my head, and then a couple of seconds later, I was scared,” — Bill Ritter
- “Alzheimer's is ... a thing that gobbles up families, and they're the real tough ones in this,” — Bill Ritter
What’s Next
Ritter will stay at ABC 7 in a mentorship role, produce Alzheimer’s-focused segments, and continue public speaking to promote early testing and support for affected families.
