In a momentous and candid revelation, Wendy Williams has taken a brave step by opening up about her ongoing battle with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. This exclusive revelation came through a statement obtained by PEOPLE on a Friday, where the 59-year-old television personality expressed her deep gratitude for the overwhelming support pouring in from her fans in the wake of this poignant news.
Addressing the remarkable response, Williams shared, “I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming. The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”
In a gesture of appreciation, she extended her thanks to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their support and efforts in raising awareness about FTD. Williams underscored her essential need for personal space and peace to thrive, expressing deep appreciation for the positivity and encouragement flowing from well-wishers.
The revelation of Williams’ dementia diagnosis came a day before through a statement from her care team. The announcement disclosed that she received the diagnosis last year, and since then, she has encountered significant challenges. Despite these hurdles, the care team assured the public that Williams still maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the necessary care to ensure her overall well-being.
Mayo Clinic provides insight into aphasia, describing it as a condition that robs individuals of their ability to communicate, affecting both verbal and written language. On the other hand, frontotemporal dementia encompasses a range of brain disorders impacting the frontal and temporal lobes, resulting in speech problems, emotional challenges, and personality changes.
Wendy Williams, known for navigating through various health issues such as Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and alcohol abuse, entered a facility in April 2023 to address “cognitive issues” and has since been under the care of a court-appointed legal guardian. Her family members, including sister Wanda Finnie and niece Alex Finnie, shared with PEOPLE that they have observed a positive change in her condition. However, they were unaware of the FTD diagnosis due to restricted contact imposed by the guardian.
Amidst legal challenges, including a lawsuit attempting to halt the release of the Lifetime documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?”, the network has confirmed its commitment to moving forward with the premiere. This documentary, filmed between August 2022 and April 2023, offers an intimate portrayal of Williams’ life and health off-screen, providing her with a platform to share her honest narrative during this challenging period. The court’s denial of the effort to block the documentary ensures that Wendy Williams’ story will be heard and seen by the public, shedding light on her journey and fostering understanding and empathy.