wendy williams© Photo: Getty Images

Wendy Williams' health battle – what we know

The TV star has been plagued with 'ongoing health issues'

US Lifestyle Editor
Updated: September 14, 2023

Wendy Williams made headlines when she took time off of her talk show in September 2021 due to "ongoing health issues".

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On 17 June 2022, the final episode of The Wendy Williams Show aired after a slew of celebrity pals took over her role temporarily. The final episode shared a sweet video tribute to the star, whose daytime slot was officially taken over by Sherri Shepherd after she filled in for Wendy while she was away. It was initially reported back in September 2021, that Wendy had a "breakthrough case of COVID-19" despite being vaccinated and was experiencing "serious complications" because she also suffers from Graves' Disease and a thyroid condition.

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A statement from The Wendy Williams Show read: "Wendy continues to be under medical supervision and meets with her medical team on a daily basis. She is making progress but is experiencing serious complications as a direct result of Graves’ Disease and her thyroid condition. But the star has faced a slew of health issues during her time in the public eye. 

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Here's everything we know about Wendy Williams' health condition...

Where is Wendy Williams now? 

The star began to remerge into the public sphere earlier this year. She checked out of a wellness facility in October 2022 where she underwent an in-patient treatment program to treat "overall health issues."

An official press release, shared on the former talk show star's behalf when she entered the facility in August 2022 explained: "She is taking some time to focus on her health and wellness as she prepares for a major comeback for the next level in her career with 'The Wendy Experience Podcast.' Ms.

Williams is being treated by a team of some of the best doctors in the world. We ask for your prayers and well wishes during this time."

Wendy Williams does not have dementia

Reports claimed that Wendy is suffering from the effects of early-onset dementia. However, her younger brother Tommy, 54, denied these rumors, revealing Wendy has not been "displaying that type of behavior to the family".

"We haven't had any alerts like that and I haven't seen anything like that or have had conversations with her that would lead me to believe that," he told The Sun, adding: "My dad speaks with Wendy frequently. So no, we don't have any concerns concerning her mental state. It’s all physical." 

What has Wendy Williams said about her health?

In November 2021, Wendy broke her silence, giving her fans, who have become increasingly worried for her health, an update on social media.

She penned: "HOW YOU DOIN’? I MISS YOU ALL! As everyone knows, my health has been a hot topic. "I'm making progress but it's just one of those things that's taking longer than we expected.

© Photo: Instagram

Wendy has missed the entire 14th season of her talk show

"I'm a woman of a certain age, and I know enough to listen to my doctors and will return to my purple chair as soon as we all agree I'm ready." 

Wendy continued: "I want to thank all of my staff and our guest hosts for stepping up and stepping in while I can’t be there. I also want to thank Debmar-Mercury and our stations for being so understanding and supportive while I work my way back.

"Most of all, I want to thank my fans. I have heard your prayers and comments and feel all the love! You are everything to me. I love spending my mornings with you all and I'm doing everything I can to get back to work, but right now Wendy has to focus on Wendy. I love you for watching."

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© Photo: Instagram

It was first revealed in September 2021 that Wendy was suffering with her health

What else is affecting Wendy Williams' health?

Wendy previously that she was diagnosed with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism 19 years ago after she was forced to take a hiatus from the show due to symptoms of her disease "causing fatigue", a spokesperson told People.

Speaking about the complication from her diagnosis, which she first revealed in 2018, Wendy added at the time: "I feel a hundred percent better than I was a few months ago. I had a storm going in my body is the best way I can explain it.

"It came from me neglecting my six-month endocrinology appointment. I have Graves’ disease and hyperthyroid. If you have one you don't necessarily have to have the other, but I have both, and I was diagnosed with both 19 years ago."

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