Wendy Williams is feeling the love — but still wants her privacy.
The former talk show host, 59, addressed her recent aphasia and dementia diagnoses in an emotional statement released Friday, asking supporters for “personal space” and peace” amid the “overwhelming” public reaction.
“I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming,” she told People.
Explore More
Wendy Williams’ guardian files sealed lawsuit against Lifetime’s parent company A&E
Wendy Williams’ health struggles through the years: Dementia, aphasia and more
Wendy Williams ‘able to have full conversations’ amid aphasia diagnosis
“The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion,” she continued.
“I hope that others with FTD may benefit from my story. I want to also thank the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration for their kind words of support and their extraordinary efforts to raise awareness of FTD.”
The media personality concluding by saying she “[needs] personal space and peace to thrive,” while emphasizing that she is “deeply” grateful for fans’ “positivity and encouragement.”
A rep for Williams’ didn’t immediately respond to Pvnew’s request for comment.
Williams’ niece, Alex Finnie, explained that her aunt can still hold “full conversations” despite being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia.
“I haven’t seen her, but we were able to have full conversations,” she on Thursday’s episode of “The View.”
It’s unclear if Finnie was speaking in relation to the most recent diagnosis as news of it broke halfway through the show.
Finnie — who, like the rest of her family has been shunned from seeing Williams amid her legal guardianship — didn’t specify when the last time she spoke with her aunt was. She also claimed that Williams is the only one allowed to initiate communication.
“For instance, yesterday I was out, I was having dinner, and I missed a call, and I ran to the bathroom, I came back, and I realized that it was my aunt, but I can’t call her back; so therefore, I haven’t talked to her,” Finnie said.
Williams’ health has made headlines for years. The star has previously been diagnosed with Graves’ disease and lymphedema and has been open about her substance abuse issues.
Her team announced on Thursday she had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia in 2023 after her memory started to fail and she began to “lose words” and “act erratically.”
Williams’ team shared her health update ahead of the Feb. 24 premiere of her Lifetime documentary “Where Is Wendy Williams?”
The project is expected to delve into her financial issues, addiction challenges and ongoing guardianship.
Pvnew previously reported that Williams — who hasn’t been seen in public for nearly a year — has been staying at a treatment center amid her battle with alcohol abuse since June 2023.
