TV presenter Bill Ritter has announced his retirement on air after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The beloved ABC New York news anchor ended Friday's broadcast with a deeply personal message to viewers at home.
Emotional Announcement
Bill Ritter, who turned 75 last year, had initially decided to reduce his workload by stepping back from anchoring the 11pm and 5pm news to spend more time with his family. However, he now plans to leave completely, explaining that his 'life has taken a turn.'
'My goal was to spend more time with my family,' Ritter told viewers. 'Now, a year ago, I became a grandfather, thanks to my oldest daughter, and later this summer, I'll have a second grandchild, thanks to my son, and in a year from now, my youngest daughter will graduate high school. But spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn.'
Alzheimer's Diagnosis
Ritter revealed that after undergoing a series of tests, doctors confirmed he has Alzheimer's disease. 'It's early stage Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay. For now,' he said. 'But there is no guarantee, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's. So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight (Friday) will be the last newscast I anchor.'
Despite his retirement from anchoring, Ritter reassured viewers that they will still see him on air and online. He paid tribute to his colleagues at ABC, saying, 'I want to say thank you to my bosses at ABC, they have treated me and my family with compassion and humanity and warmth.'
Continued Advocacy
Reflecting on his future plans, Ritter said, 'I will continue helping the young journalists at Eyewitness News. I am also going to remain a journalist at Eyewitness News, so you'll still see me on air and online because this station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer's, and other similar diseases, including 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.'
Ritter shared that he is no stranger to the disease, as his father died from it in June 1998. 'I have since been active in the fight to stop Alzheimer's, and I will continue doing that, along with my friend Mike Marza, who took my place last year on Eyewitness News at 5 and 11.'
Farewell Message
Ritter concluded the segment with a heartfelt farewell: 'I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you, with the truth and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that. But for now, I wish you health and peace. Let's take care of each other.'
