---
title: "Bill Ritter Steps Down From WABC Anchor Chair After Alzheimer's Diagnosis"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/bill-ritter-wabc-anchor-alzheimers-diagnosis-retirement-whxuw
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Society
published: 2026-08-13T14:45:26.900Z
modified: 2026-08-13T17:00:07.926Z
language: en-IN
---

# Bill Ritter Steps Down From WABC Anchor Chair After Alzheimer's Diagnosis

Former WABC anchor Bill Ritter announced his departure from the 6 p.m. "Eyewitness News" broadcast on June 12, revealing a recent Alzheimer's diagnosis. Ritter, 76, had previously stepped down from the 5 and 11 p.m. shows last year.

## Key takeaways

- Bill Ritter, 76, announced his retirement from WABC's "Eyewitness News" on June 12 due to an Alzheimer's diagnosis.
- His wife first noticed memory and word recall issues in 2023, leading to preliminary tests for mild cognitive impairment.
- Doctors confirmed the Alzheimer's diagnosis in October and anticipate slow progression of the disease.

Bill Ritter, 76, has announced his retirement from anchoring the 6 p.m. edition of WABC/7's "Eyewitness News." The decision follows a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, which Ritter shared publicly on June 12 during the broadcast. He had already stepped down from the 5 and 11 p.m. broadcasts in the previous year.

## What Happened

Ritter disclosed his Alzheimer's diagnosis in a statement at the end of the June 12 broadcast, explaining it as the reason for stepping down from the 6 p.m. anchor role. His wife, Kathleen Friery, noted that she first observed signs of the disease in 2023, initially characterized by increased forgetfulness and word-finding difficulties. Preliminary tests at the end of 2023 indicated mild cognitive impairment. By 2025, after Ritter had ceased anchoring the 5 and 11 p.m. shows, the couple realized his condition was not improving. Doctors confirmed the Alzheimer's diagnosis in October, following a spinal tap to analyze biomarkers. They are reportedly confident that the disease will progress slowly.

## Key Facts

- Bill Ritter announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease on June 12.
- He stepped down as anchor of WABC/7's "Eyewitness News" 6 p.m. edition on June 12.
- Ritter, 76, had previously retired from the 5 and 11 p.m. broadcasts last year.
- His wife, Kathleen Friery, first noticed symptoms of forgetfulness and word recall issues in 2023.
- Preliminary tests at the end of 2023 indicated mild cognitive impairment.
- Doctors confirmed the Alzheimer's diagnosis in October after a spinal tap.
- His wife stated that doctors believe the disease will progress slowly.
- Ritter was interviewed at his home in East Quogue in late July.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/bill-ritter-wabc-anchor-alzheimers-diagnosis-retirement-whxuw
Reported from: Multiple Sources