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Darrell Waltrip Withdraws From Public Life After Brain Disease Diagnosis

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 3:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Darrell Waltrip Withdraws

Darrell Waltrip, 79, is withdrawing from public life after a brain disease diagnosis.
He was diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration and possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
The family says CTE likely stems from injuries sustained during his racing career.
Waltrip will spend his time with wife Stevie, two daughters and three grandchildren.

Summary

Waltrip Thanks Fans

Waltrip’s family thanked fans for prayer, love and support after his diagnosis.
FanBuzz released videos of Waltrip and his family to deliver the health update to media members.
Waltrip’s last on-air appearance was a March 2026 Darlington race cameo delivering his “Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!” line.
He retired from the NASCAR on FOX broadcast booth in June 2019, ending a 19-year tenure.

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Darrell Waltrip Withdraws

Darrell Waltrip, 79, is withdrawing from public life after a brain disease diagnosis.
He was diagnosed with frontotemporal degeneration and possible chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
The family says CTE likely stems from injuries sustained during his racing career.
Waltrip will spend his time with wife Stevie, two daughters and three grandchildren.

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