Bill Ritter, the veteran ABC New York anchor, delivered his final newscast on June 12, 2026, after revealing he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The 76-year-old journalist, who joined Eyewitness News in 2001, made the announcement live on air, stating that his doctors confirmed the diagnosis earlier that month.
Ritter's On-Air Announcement
Speaking on the program, Ritter said: "After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's. It's early-stage Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay. For now. But there is no guarantee, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's. So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor."
He emphasized that this is not a permanent goodbye, as he intends to continue reporting on Alzheimer's and related diseases. Ritter stated he would focus on "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."
Outpouring of Support
Following Ritter's announcement, he received an "outpouring of love" from viewers. Appearing on Good Morning America on June 15, Ritter revealed he had been experiencing symptoms for nearly two years. "I realised I was forgetting people, names, and places," he said. "I didn't know why that was happening. My wife also noticed it."
Upon receiving his diagnosis, Ritter immediately thought of his late father, who died from Alzheimer's in 1998. "He just popped into my head. And then a couple of seconds later, I was scared. I don't mind saying that. It was scary."
Conversation with Maria Shriver
Ritter has since spoken with Alzheimer's advocate Maria Shriver, who praised him for going public. Shriver told Ritter: "I have no doubt in my mind or in my heart that you will make a tremendous difference in the space you already have."
Ritter's announcement has sparked widespread discussion about Alzheimer's awareness and the need for affordable treatment. He plans to use his platform to advocate for patients and families affected by the disease.
