Bill Ritter, a beloved figure in news broadcasting, and his wife Kathleen Friery have shared their poignant journey through the diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s. The Emmy-winning journalist announced his departure from ABC New York after more than 25 years with the network, a decision prompted by his health condition.
The couple’s story began in early 2026 when they noticed Ritter experiencing significant memory lapses. Initial consultations with doctors suggested mild cognitive impairment but as Ritter’s symptoms worsened, they sought further evaluations. The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s came in late 2026, marking the end of a lengthy and emotionally taxing process.
Navigating the Diagnosis
Kathleen Friery described the diagnosis as a relief rather than a shock. “A couple of people have said to me, ‘So what’s that moment like when you find out?’ Well, it’s not a moment,” she explained. “By the time you get the diagnosis, you’ve gone through this long process of countless conversations with doctors. So when we finally heard Alzheimer’s, there was this sense of, ‘Okay, so we’re not crazy. This thing is real.’”
For Ritter, the immediate concern was his family. “My first thought was, ‘Oh my God, it’s going to really be hard on this family,’” he admitted. Ritter, who shares daughter Ella with Friery and has adult children Mia and Owen from a previous marriage, quickly shifted his focus to addressing the challenge head-on. “Within a few minutes, I thought, ‘Okay, we’ve got to deal with this,’” he said.
The Impact on Family and Career
Despite the diagnosis, Ritter remains committed to his work. He is currently taking a monthly infusion of medication to slow the progression of the disease. In his sign-off from WABC’s evening broadcast, Ritter expressed his gratitude and continued dedication. “I am going to so miss reporting the news to you. With the truth, and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do that. For now, I wish you health and peace, and let’s take care of each other,” he said.
Kathleen Friery has been deeply impressed by her husband’s strength and resilience. “Honestly, since this all happened, I’ve never been more proud of him,” she said. “It would be natural for us to focus on loss, and he’s not doing that at all. It’s just not his way. He’s focusing on the next thing, and I’m in awe of how he’s doing it.”
Looking Ahead
Ritter plans to continue contributing to WABC, sharing stories about living with Alzheimer’s. His journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of family support and resilience in the face of adversity. As he navigates this new chapter, Ritter’s commitment to truth and facts remains unwavering, a testament to his enduring legacy in journalism.
