Former US talk show host Wendy Williams Hunter has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), her care team has announced. The team said it was sharing the news 'to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumours about her health.'
Ms Williams, 59, hosted the popular Wendy Williams Show for over a decade before it ended in 2022 amid health struggles. The diagnosis was confirmed last year after a battery of medical tests, according to a statement from her care team.
The announcement follows a People Magazine cover story in which relatives said Ms Williams is at a care facility in an unknown location and has been in a health 'spiral.' Her care team noted that FTD has presented significant hurdles, but she maintains her trademark sense of humour and is receiving appropriate care.
Aphasia affects communication, while FTD is an incurable brain disorder impacting language and behaviour. The conditions mirror those of actor Bruce Willis, diagnosed with aphasia in 2022 and FTD last year.
Ms Williams' career began in radio, but she rose to fame with her syndicated talk show from 2008 to 2021. She had previously been open about health issues including Graves' Disease and Lymphedema.
