ABC New York news anchor Bill Ritter has announced his retirement after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
The 76-year-old made the “very personal” announcement during Friday, June 12’s Eyewitness News at 6, telling viewers he was diagnosed after “a series of tests.”
Bill’s diagnosis comes after he reminded viewers that he “cut back a bit” after his 75th birthday. He ended his roles as the 11 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscaster, but now he is stepping away from the anchor desk altogether.
“My goal was to spend more time with my family,” he explained. “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.”
He continued: “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.”
He added: “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.”
Bill admitted it was not easy to step away from his news anchor role, revealing his kids told him: “‘Dad, you’re being so brave with all this.’ But no, it’s not me who’s brave; it’s they who are brave, as is my wife, Kathleen.”
Bill informed viewers that they will still see him “on air and online” as he will remain a journalist with Eyewitness News in a new role.
He will cover “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.”
© Getty ImagesBill is deeply familiar with Alzheimer’s, having lost his father to the disease in 1998. “I’m not a stranger to this disease,” he said. “My dad died with 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, you recall last year on Eyewitness News at 5 and 11.
© FilmMagic“Mike’s grandfather died from this disease, and we have MC’d together many Alzheimer’s awareness events to spread the word.”
Bill concluded: “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.”
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