JamesG
06-13-2026, 10:00 AM
Beloved ABC New York Anchor Bill Ritter Steps Down from Anchor Role, Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
by Alexandra Steigrad and Daniel Cody
June 12, 2026
Beloved WABC anchor Bill Ritter said Friday he’s stepping down from the role and shared he’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in a moving statement to audiences.
The 76-year-old journo said he would remain on “Eyewitness News” to cover the very condition he has.
“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” he said.
“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.”
Ritter, who has been at WABC since June 1998, noted his own father died of Alzheimer’s.
“This station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases and infected patients and their families, how the price of treatment and the price of caring for patients is simply unaffordable, and how this might begin to change all that,” he said.
The father of three shared he has a grandson on the way. “Spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn,” Ritter said.
He concluded his emotional message by thanking his long-time audience.
“I’m going to so miss reporting the news to all of you with the truth and the facts no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that, but for now, I wish you health and peace and let’s take care of each other.”
“For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most. A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity, and, most of all — heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike,” WABC General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement.
“While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer’s better understand the disease and the resources available to them. Bill is strong, brilliant and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News.”
https://nypost.com/2026/06/12/media/abc-new-york-anchor-bill-ritter-to-retire-due-to-health-issue-sources/
by Alexandra Steigrad and Daniel Cody
June 12, 2026
Beloved WABC anchor Bill Ritter said Friday he’s stepping down from the role and shared he’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in a moving statement to audiences.
The 76-year-old journo said he would remain on “Eyewitness News” to cover the very condition he has.
“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” he said.
“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.”
Ritter, who has been at WABC since June 1998, noted his own father died of Alzheimer’s.
“This station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer’s and other similar diseases and infected patients and their families, how the price of treatment and the price of caring for patients is simply unaffordable, and how this might begin to change all that,” he said.
The father of three shared he has a grandson on the way. “Spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn,” Ritter said.
He concluded his emotional message by thanking his long-time audience.
“I’m going to so miss reporting the news to all of you with the truth and the facts no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that, but for now, I wish you health and peace and let’s take care of each other.”
“For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most. A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity, and, most of all — heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike,” WABC General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement.
“While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer’s better understand the disease and the resources available to them. Bill is strong, brilliant and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News.”
https://nypost.com/2026/06/12/media/abc-new-york-anchor-bill-ritter-to-retire-due-to-health-issue-sources/