Veteran ABC New York anchor Bill Ritter has been praised for his final sign off from the network after revealing his Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis.
Alzheimer’s is a disease that progressively damages the brain. There is currently no cure.
Ritter, 76, made the announcement during Friday evening’s Eyewitness News broadcast, which he revealed to be his last.
“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter said. “It’s ‘early stage’ Alzheimer’s, and they say the treatments I’m getting are keeping it at bay. For now. But there is no guarantee, because there’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s. So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor.”
Ritter, who lost his father to the disease in June 1998, went on to say he will remain with the network “because this station wants to dig deeper into 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.
“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,” Ritter concluded.
His final sign off has been widely shared, with many fans and longtime viewers commending Ritter for sharing his health news with bravery.
“Heartwarming, tearful and I appreciate his straight-forwardness in his tactic to dealing with life head on with grace, integrity and courage,” one person commented on Instagram.
“Class and integrity. Not too many left like @billritter7,” someone else wrote as another agreed, “Congrats on being so brave sharing your story to the world.”
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“This is heartbreaking. the best of the best,” another fan wrote while someone else chimed in, “Praying for him. He’s such a big part of my childhood and adulthood.”
“Sending love to you and your family. You are amazing and will be missed,” another viewer said.
Ritter joined WABC in New York in 1998 following a career in broadcast and print journalism in California. He began anchoring the 11 p.m. news in October 1998, adding the 6 p.m. broadcast to his slate in February 2001. He also anchored the 5 p.m. broadcast for a number of years.