Longtime ABC7 New York anchor Bill Ritter has revealed that he is living with Alzheimer’s disease, explaining why he is stepping away from the anchor desk after decades as one of the station’s most recognizable faces.
Ritter, who has been anchoring the 6 p.m. program since 2001, announced that Friday’s show would be his final at WABC-TV.
“Unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight (Friday) will be the last newscast I anchor,” Ritter said.
Ritter shared the diagnosis with viewers in a heartfelt announcement that prompted an outpouring of support from colleagues, journalists and longtime viewers.
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Bill Ritter reveals health battle
Ritter disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking and behavior.
“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,” Ritters said in an emotional message to his viewers during his last broadcast.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s, making it the most common form of dementia in the United States.
Ritter stated that the diagnosis influenced his choice to minimize his on-air responsibilities.
In his message, Ritter reflected on his broadcasting career and thanked viewers for welcoming him into their homes. He said the decision to step away was not easy, but he believed it was the right time to prioritize his health and family.
He said, “It is not easy to say that, to all of you, our viewers, and to the people I work with, like the man I’ve worked with for 25 and a half years, our producer, and my friend, Zahir Sachedina.”
Ritter confirmed that he will continue working behind the scenes at ABC in a new role. He said, “I’m also going to remain a journalist here at Eyewitness News, and so, you will still see me on air and online.”
He continued explaining the reason, saying, “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.”
Colleagues praised Ritter’s honesty and professionalism. Several ABC7 personalities described him as a mentor and a trusted voice in New York journalism.
Marilu Galvez, the general manager of WABC-TV said, “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.”
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Beloved ABC New York anchor Bill Ritter
Ritter joined WABC-TV in the late 1990s and became one of the station’s most recognizable anchors. Throughout his tenure, he covered major national and local events, including elections, natural disasters, terror attacks and community stories that shaped New York City.
His calm delivery and steady presence earned him a loyal audience across generations.
The announcement triggered emotional reactions online. Many viewers expressed gratitude for his years of service.
A user on X wrote, “Bill Ritter(@billritter7) is nothing but class. All New Yorkers have been lucky to watch him on the air. A cure can’t come soon enough.”
