‘Breaks My Heart to See Her like This’: Wendy Williams’ Outing amid Dementia Battle Sparks Concern Among Fans
Seated on a black and red electric wheelchair adorned with unique personal touches — including a black pouch featuring an NYC logo, a Chanel badge, and a smiley face — the former TV host had all eyes on her.
She looked radiant in a shimmering, glittery ensemble paired with Chanel No. 5 shoes, which elevated the avant-garde, high-fashion look. The beloved former talk show host completed her outfit with a Louis Vuitton over-the-shoulder purse and black handbag.
Wendy Williams spotted crying as she watched her son Kevin Hunter Jr.’s graduation ceremony, posted on December 21, 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
His achievement held even greater significance, as it marked the culmination of years of perseverance, during which Kevin Jr. took a hiatus from his studies to provide care for his ailing mother.
Kevin Hunter Jr. and Wendy Williams at her Hollywood Walk of Fame Star ceremony in Hollywood, California on October 17, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Wendy Williams with her late mom Shirley Williams and her father Thomas Williams Sr. visiting the Empire State Building in New York City on September 18, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
The ceremony radiated a sense of familial love and celebration, made even more poignant by Kevin’s remarkable journey to graduation. Beginning his college journey at Barry University before transferring to FIU, Kevin’s path reflected both resilience and dedication.
Kevin Hunter Jr. and Wendy Williams at the Jeezy “TM 104” Listening Party in New York City on August 20, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
“Her rapid decline and deterioration breaks my heart 😞,” remarked a heartbroken fan, while another echoed the sentiment, “Breaks my heart to see her like this I miss her in her hot topics chair 😢.”
Expressing deep sympathy, an Instagrammer penned, “I really feel so sorry for her. Seeing this is giving goosebumps.” Another expressed disbelief and compassion, asserting, “My heart I can’t believe this ❤️.”
Wendy Williams at her son’s graduation ceremony. | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
“Praying for Wendy 🙏🏼,” highlighted one fan, while another noted, “This is hard to watch 💔.” Amid the sorrow, came a message of optimism and encouragement, with the admirer writing, “Make it fashionable Aunty. Praying for you 🙏🏽😍.”
One instance that saw her do so was during an interview in 2015, where she opened up about her then-teenage son, offering a glimpse into their dynamic.
Kevin Hunter Jr. and Wendy Williams. | Source: Getty Images
“As for teenagers, my son’s a nice boy. He’s very mannerable. Everyone who meets him says he’s so respectful,” disclosed Wendy Williams, painting a picture of a young man whose upbringing was steeped in kindness and courtesy.
Kevin Hunter Jr. and Wendy Williams. | Source: Getty Images
Kevin Hunter Sr., Wendy Williams, and Kevin Hunter Jr. at The Hunter Foundation Charity Celebration in New York City on July 11, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
As mentioned earlier, Kevin Jr. has also shown up for his mom amid her ongoing battle with dementia and aphasia. Last month (November 2024), media reports provided updates on her health, which sent social media into a tailspin, as many flocked to comment sections to express their heartbreak over the news.
Wendy Williams celebrates 10 years of “The Wendy Williams Show” onstage at The Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia on August 16, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Wendy’s health struggles became public earlier this year. In February 2024, her care team issued a public statement to provide clarity on rumors and share updates on her condition.
“As Wendy’s fans are aware, in the past she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves’ Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health,” the statement began.
Wendy Williams attends a private dinner at Fresco By Scotto in New York City on February 21, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
As the statement mentioned, Wendy has been candid about her health challenges for years, like in 2018 when her representative disclosed that she had been managing Graves’ Disease and hyperthyroidism for a long time. During an unplanned hiatus at the time, her talk show aired repeat episodes as she focused on her recovery.
Wendy Williams spotted out in New York City on July 13, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
According to the care team, early signs included “difficulty understanding financial transactions,” loss of words, and, at times, erratic behavior.
Wendy Williams at WBLS Radio in New York City on July 8, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Sharing the news was not an easy decision. “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,” contextualized the team.
Wendy Williams spotted out in SoHo, New York on February 27, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
The team also emphasized the importance of early intervention and care for those affected, adding, “There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated.”
Wendy Williams speaks on stage at the Vulture Festival presented by AT&T in New York City on May 19, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Apart from the continuous battle with her health challenges, Wendy has also faced financial difficulties tied to her condition.
Wendy Williams. | Source: Getty Images
In January 2022, her bank, Wells Fargo, raised concerns about her ability to manage her finances, resulting in the court appointing Sabrina as her legal guardian. Sabrina now oversees Wendy’s personal and financial affairs.
To protect Wendy’s privacy, Sabrina requested the court seal sensitive details from the guardianship proceedings.
Wendy Williams attends the Apple TV+ “The Morning Show” World Premiere in New York City on October 28, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
“The proposed redactions are very narrowly drawn and do not undermine the public’s ability to understand the core facts and legal arguments at issue in this litigation or to otherwise monitor the federal courts’ execution of their judicial function,” explained Sabrina’s attorneys.
The challenges surrounding Wendy’s health and finances have extended into legal disputes regarding the portrayal of her struggles.
Wendy Williams lights the Empire State Building to celebrate the ninth season of “The Wendy Williams Show” in New York City on September 18, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Wendy Williams visits the Sirius XM Studio in New York City on July 7, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Wendy Williams attends the Resident Magazine celebration in New York City on April 12, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Wendy Williams attends the Build Series to discuss her daytime talk show “The Wendy Williams Show” in New York City on April 17, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Another person commented, “So Sad 😞 dementia is very terrible I enjoyed watching her shows I Pray for her quick recovery 🙏🏾 [sic],” while a fellow supporter remarked, “Heartbreaking WENDY WILL FOREVER BE MY favorite talkshow [sic] hosts ❤️🙌.”
Wendy Williams speaks to the audience at The Bryant Park Reading Room in New York City on May 15, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
More admirers reacted with shock and sadness, struggling to grasp the rapid decline in Wendy’s health. Some wondered how such a situation could happen to a prominent TV star, while others highlighted the tragic nature of her being relatively young and going through such challenges.
Some focused on Wendy’s humanity and expressed their empathy despite the controversies of her career. Even people who did not watch Wendy’s show offered prayers and heartfelt support for her and her family during this challenging time.
As Wendy faces ongoing personal challenges, Sabrina remains dedicated to ensuring she receives the care and financial support she requires. Meanwhile, fans continue to celebrate her legacy as one of the most influential talk show hosts of her generation.