Bill Ritter has been a familiar and well-respected face at the anchor desk on ABC7 New York for many years. He has always reported the news with professionalism, dignity, and dedication. However, on Friday, June 12, during the 6 p.m. newscast, Ritter announced something stunning that has to do with him and his health. He shared the difficult information that he has early stage Alzheimer's disease. Ritter also said that because of this serious medical situation, he has retired from his anchoring role.
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On Good Morning America on Monday, June 15, Ritter observed that he felt a duty to be candid with the public about his new circumstances. "My job as a journalist is to speak honestly to the public. Truth and facts is what we deal with. I figured I owed it to the viewers to be honest about this,"
Ritter Explained What Has Happened
The anchorman, who is 76, explained that when he turned 75, he trimmed back his schedule. He stopped doing the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts. Ritter shared, "My goal was to spend more time with my family. 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."
Then Ritter opened up about the life-changing diagnosis he got and how it will affect his career. "So, unless someone finds an amazing cure and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor. "
He Expressed Sincere Appreciation to His Colleagues and His Family
Ritter mentioned his esteemed co-workers and his family. He knows that all of them have a challenging road ahead. "My kids say, '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."
He also noted that he is not withdrawing altogether from the news business. Bill Ritter intends to continue "helping the younger journalists." Furthermore, 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. One reason [is] because this station wants to dig deeper into the rising tide of Alzheimer's and other similar diseases." Sadly, Ritter's dad died of Alzheimer's in 1998.
