Beloved TV Anchor Announces On-Air That He’s Retiring Due to Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Longtime New York news anchor Bill Ritter stunned viewers when he announced on live television that he is retiring from the anchor desk after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s.

Ritter, 76, shared the deeply personal news during the 6 p.m. newscast on Friday, June 12, telling ABC 7 NY viewers that his life had taken an unexpected and heartbreaking turn.

The beloved Eyewitness News anchor said he had already started scaling back after turning 75. First, he stepped away from the 11 p.m. newscast. Then he left the 5 p.m. broadcast.

His original goal was simple: spend more time with his family.

Ritter said he became a grandfather last year thanks to his oldest daughter. Later this summer, he expects to welcome a second grandchild through his son. His youngest daughter is also set to graduate high school next year.

But now, he said, that family time means even more.

“Spending more time with my family has now become even more important, because my life has taken a turn,” Ritter told viewers.

He then revealed that doctors had diagnosed him with early-stage Alzheimer’s after running several tests.

Ritter said he is receiving treatments that are “keeping it at bay, at least for now,” but acknowledged the painful reality that there is currently no cure.

“So, unless someone finds an amazing cure and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor,” he said.

The announcement marked an emotional moment for viewers who have watched Ritter deliver the news in New York for decades.

Ritter admitted the decision to step away from anchoring was not easy. He thanked his colleagues, producers, former co-anchors, and the newsroom team that has been part of his long career.

He also spoke movingly about his wife, Kathleen, and his children.

“My kids say, ‘Dad, you’re being so brave with all this,’” Ritter said. “But no, it’s not me who’s brave; it’s they who are brave, as is my wife, Kathleen.”

Although Ritter is leaving the anchor desk, he said he is not leaving journalism completely.

He plans to remain at ABC 7 NY, helping younger journalists and continuing to appear on air and online. He also said the station plans to take a closer look at Alzheimer’s and similar diseases.

For Ritter, that mission is deeply personal.

He said his father died with Alzheimer’s in June 1998, and he has spent years involved in efforts to raise awareness and fight the disease.

“I’m not a stranger to this disease,” Ritter said.

He noted that he has worked alongside fellow journalist Mike Marza at Alzheimer’s awareness events. Marza, who replaced Ritter on the 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts last year, also lost his grandfather to the disease.

Ritter closed his message with a heartfelt goodbye to the anchor chair.

“I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you, with the truth and with facts, no matter where they fall,” he said. “It has been my honor to do just that. But for now, I wish you health and peace. Let’s take care of each other.”

Ritter, a Los Angeles native, began his television journalism career in San Diego and Los Angeles before joining ABC 7 in 1998. He began anchoring the 6 p.m. newscast in February 2001 and also worked as a correspondent for ABC News and 20/20.