ABC News star Bill Ritter anchored the evening news for millions of New Yorkers until Friday night, when he delivered his most important broadcast of all… and his last.
Ritter, 76, revealed live on WABC-TV’s 6 p.m. Eyewitness News that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, and said that the broadcast would be his final as anchor. The New York television institution, who has anchored WABC’s evening news since 2001, delivered the news with the same measured calm that defined decades of reporting.
“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter revealed. “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.”
The New York Post reported Monday that Ritter has since spoken publicly about symptoms he experienced years before his formal diagnosis. Alzheimer’s can develop silently in the brain for a decade or more before clinical symptoms become apparent.
“I am not a stranger to this disease,” he said. “My dad died with it in June 1998. I have since been active in the fight to stop Alzheimer’s, and I will continue that.”
“Last year I turned 75 years old, and I thought it was time to cut back a bit,” he said. “After so many years, I stopped anchoring the 11 o’clock news, and then later, the 5 o’clock news. My goal was to spend more time with my family.” He recently became a grandfather for the first time, with a second grandchild on the way and his youngest daughter is set to graduate high school.
“Spending more time with my family has now become even more important,” he continued, “because my life has taken a turn.”
Ritter joined WABC in 1998 and began anchoring the 11 p.m. newscast in 1999, succeeding legendary anchor Bill Beutel, and added the 6 p.m. broadcast in 2001. He also anchored the 5 p.m. news for several years.
WABC General Manager Marilu Galvez paid tribute to his legacy.
“A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity and, most of all, heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike,” Galvez said. “While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer’s.”
Ritter will remain with the station in a new reporting role covering the disease and its impact on patients and families.
He closed his final broadcast with characteristic grace.
“I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you, with the truth and with facts, no matter where they fall. It has been my honor to do just that. For now, I wish you health and peace, and let’s take care of each other.”
A message from the legendary Bill Ritter.
We are praying and pulling for you my friend.
It’s been the greatest honor of my career to share the stage with you. pic.twitter.com/7Jm6VIQBcm
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) June 13, 2026