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Wendy Williams made headlines when she first disclosed her diagnosis of Graves’ disease in 2018. During her revelation, she candidly shared how she had not been vigilant about her health, which resonated with many. “We, as women, particularly if — we have families, you know, we’re taking care of children, we’re taking care of, you know, home, our husbands, we take care of everybody but ourselves,” she expressed during an interview on Good Morning America, as reported by PEOPLE. This statement underlined a common issue where women often prioritize others over their own well-being, leading many to reflect on their personal health journeys.
“And it’s really unfortunate. And that — that is something that has no socioeconomic thing to it. No matter what — no matter what the woman’s status is, it seems like we’re all in the same boat,” she remarked, emphasizing the universal struggle faced by women. “I’m not doing that anymore. Wendy first.” This powerful declaration marked a turning point for her, as she committed to prioritizing her health and well-being moving forward, setting an example for many others in similar situations.
Fast forward five years, and Wendy faced another challenge when she was diagnosed with “primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD),” which her medical team announced. This diagnosis spotlighted the severity of her health issues, similar to actor Bruce Willis, who also battles FTD. The implications of these conditions not only affect cognitive functions but also significantly impact daily life and interactions, drawing attention to the importance of understanding and awareness surrounding such diagnoses.
In this article, we delve into Wendy Williams’ ongoing struggle with Graves’ disease, FTD, and aphasia. We will explore her journey from her initial diagnosis to the current state of her health, shedding light on the challenges she has faced and the resilience she has shown throughout this difficult period.
Understanding Wendy Williams’ Health Challenges through Multiple Diagnoses
In February 2018, Wendy initiated a crucial public conversation about Graves’ disease, highlighting its effects on her life. She stated, “My thyroid has been totally cattywampus and that is the eye thing that you all have been seeing. You caught it before I did,” sharing her personal experience with the audience during her show, as reported by CBS News. This admission not only educated her fans about the disorder but also emphasized the connection between her hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease. “Graves’ disease squeezes the muscles behind your eyeballs and so that’s the reason for — ” she exclaimed, dramatically demonstrating how it affected her vision.
At that time, Wendy also revealed that her doctor had advised her to take a three-week break from her show to focus on her health. She candidly shared that she had already missed some time due to feeling disoriented, likening her sensations to “birds swimming around my head, like a cartoon” ahead of her diagnosis. “I’ll be back in two. I’m not an heiress,” she humorously noted, highlighting her financial responsibilities. “Who’s gonna pay my bills?” This light-hearted comment resonated with her audience, showcasing her resilience and determination to return to work.
In 2023, Wendy received a formal diagnosis of FTD and aphasia, which her medical team confirmed the following year. This diagnosis brought a new wave of concern for her fans as it added complexity to her already challenging health journey.
“On behalf of Wendy Williams Hunter, her care team is sharing this very personal update with her cherished fans, friends, and supporters to correct inaccurate and hurtful rumors about her health,” a statement from her team read, as reported by TV Insider. “Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine. Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.” This statement aimed to clarify her situation while acknowledging the expertise of her medical team.
The statement continued, “The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances. Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.” This remark highlights the importance of empathy and awareness regarding these conditions.
Wendy’s family disclosed in an interview with PEOPLE that they were not informed about her dementia diagnosis. Her sister Wanda Finnie expressed concern about how the family had been kept in the dark about Wendy’s health since late 2021, before she was placed under a court-controlled guardianship. “When she was in Florida, there were a number of people involved. Even beyond family, there were doctors involved, people in Wendy’s professional world that were involved,” Wanda recalled, reflecting on Wendy’s health management. “She had a health team in place, nurses in place and she had family in place. She was getting healthier.” This highlights the complexity of family dynamics and healthcare management in such situations.
Recently, Wendy’s son Kevin Hunter Jr. addressed his mother’s health struggles during Lifetime’s Where is Wendy Williams? documentary. The 23-year-old revealed that the medical team attributed her drinking habits to her declining health. According to him, the doctors “basically said that because she was drinking so much, it was starting to affect her headspace and her brain.” Kevin added, “So, I think they said it was alcohol-induced dementia.” This statement draws attention to the critical intersection of mental health, physical health, and substance use.
Defining Aphasia: Understanding Language and Communication Impairments
Aphasia, as explained by Wendy’s medical team, is “a condition affecting language and communication abilities.” This neurological disorder can manifest in various ways, significantly impacting a person’s ability to express themselves clearly and comprehend spoken and written language. Understanding aphasia is essential for improving support and resources for those affected, emphasizing the need for compassion and awareness of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing this condition.
Graves’ Disease Explained: The Impact of Thyroid Disorders
Graves’ disease is characterized by the Mayo Clinic as “an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones.” The symptoms can include irritability, bulging eyes, weight loss, anxiety, tremors in the hands, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to heat. Wendy openly admitted on her show that she felt stressed and highly irritable leading up to her diagnosis, which resonates with many who struggle with similar conditions. Understanding these symptoms can help others recognize the signs of thyroid disorders and seek timely medical care.
Frontotemporal Dementia: A Closer Look at Cognitive Decline
According to Wendy’s medical team, FTD is “a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions.” Living with this condition has “presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life,” affecting her daily interactions and overall quality of life. Raising awareness about FTD is crucial, as it helps to foster understanding and support for those affected by this complex condition, highlighting the need for resources and community support.
Timeline of Wendy Williams’ Illness: A Journey of Struggles
As previously noted, Wendy was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in 2018. She explained during her Good Morning America interview that menopause had obscured her symptoms. “With the menopause I wasn’t pointing a finger to any particular thing,” she shared with GMA‘s Amy Robach. “I was just feeling like ‘All right, well I’m 53 and this is I guess how it’s supposed to be.’” This admission reflects the common challenges faced by women as they navigate hormonal changes and health issues.
Wendy also recounted a public incident where she fainted during her show on Halloween in 2017, which led to the discovery of her elevated blood pressure. “Even in October when I passed out on Halloween, that particular day when the EMTs got there I had high blood pressure, which I never have high blood pressure,” she noted. “My blood pressure is always either perfect or low. It’s never high. But it was high, and the lack of sodium so they were filling me with electrolytes, just fill, fill, fill, fill. I can’t believe that I got up after the commercial break and closed out the show.” This incident underscored the serious nature of her health concerns.
Current Status of Wendy Williams: A Look into Her Recovery
“I feel a hundred percent better than I was a few months ago,” Wendy expressed in 2018 to PEOPLE. “I had a storm going in my body is the best way I can explain it. It came from me neglecting my six-month endocrinology appointment. I have Graves disease and hyperthyroid. If you have one you don’t necessarily have to have the other, but I have both, and I was diagnosed with both 19 years ago.” This positive outlook showcased her resilience and determination to overcome her health challenges.
Her commitment to health became evident before the conclusion of her show in 2022. “I love doing the show, but I love me more,” she stated in an interview with PEOPLE. “So I’m going to take care of me, so I can be there for them.” In October 2022, it was reported that she had exited a rehab facility after two months of treatment for “overall health issues.” “We are happy to report that Wendy Williams is home and healing after being in a wellness facility since August,” her representative, Shawn Zanotti, stated to Page Six at that time.
“Wendy is excited about the road ahead and looking forward to releasing her many projects,” the statement continued. “Thank you to my fans for your love, support, and many prayers, I am back and better than ever.” This message was meant to reassure her fans about her progress and future plans.
However, Wendy faced another setback in 2023 when she was diagnosed with FTD and aphasia. Wendy’s family spoke about her current life and condition in the documentary Where Is Wendy Williams?, which premiered on February 24, 2024. The film aimed to provide insight into her health struggles and the impact of her guardianship on her family relationships.
“I don’t think there’s anyone Wendy needed more than her family,” Wanda shared with PEOPLE following the documentary’s release, emphasizing the importance of familial support during challenging times. “Separate the money part: All I want to know is that my sister is going to live and that she’s going to be healthy,” Wanda added, reflecting the family’s ongoing concern for Wendy’s well-being.
One day before the documentary premiered, Wendy broke her silence, releasing a heartfelt statement to PEOPLE about her
