Wendy Williams Opens Up About Her Health Battle And Family Life

On February 22, 2024, Wendy Williams' team made a heartfelt announcement to the world, sharing her private health struggles. The beloved talk show host, and proud mom to Kevin Hunter Jr., has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Wendy, known for her vibrant personality and unfiltered commentary, has touched millions of lives through her show, and now she’s opening up about her personal journey in an inspiring way.

Meet Wendy Williams’ Son, Kevin Hunter Jr.

Kevin Hunter Jr., Wendy’s cherished only child, was born in August 2000 during her complex and often-publicized marriage to Kevin Hunter. Their relationship, which began in 1997, ended in 2019 after allegations of infidelity surfaced. Their official divorce was finalized in 2020. Before meeting Kevin, Wendy was married briefly to her first husband, Bert Girigorie, from 1994 to 1995. Life hasn’t always been easy, but Wendy’s resilience has always shone through.

In September 2019, Wendy appeared on The View to discuss how her son, Kevin Jr., was coping with his parents’ split. She shared her admiration for his maturity and strength, saying, “He’s doing very well. We talk every day. Sometimes a couple of times a day … he’s in a good space, and he only wants to see me and his dad happy.” Wendy’s commitment to maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship is truly commendable.

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But Wendy’s journey to motherhood wasn’t without its challenges. Before Kevin Jr., she faced several heartbreaking miscarriages. In a candid interview with Essence in 2015, Wendy opened up about her struggles, saying, “I fought tooth and nail to be a mother. The clothes [were] already picked out, the nursery already painted.” Her determination to become a mother speaks volumes about her strength and love for family.

Kevin Jr. made headlines when he participated in the February 2024 Lifetime documentary, Where is Wendy Williams?, alongside several other family members. In the trailer for the two-part series, Kevin Jr. revealed his mom’s ability to make everything seem okay, even when challenges arise. He shared, “My mom has done a great job making it seem like everything is OK always, but in reality, there’s something wrong going on.”

While Kevin Jr. doesn’t often make public appearances, he’s been by his mom’s side during some of her biggest moments. In October 2019, he joined Wendy as she unveiled her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a proud moment for both mother and son.

Understanding Wendy Williams’ Health Diagnosis

After undergoing a series of medical tests, Wendy Williams was diagnosed in 2023 with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Aphasia is a condition that affects a person's ability to communicate effectively, impacting speech and comprehension. Frontotemporal dementia, on the other hand, is a progressive disorder that affects behavior and cognitive functions. Both conditions have already presented significant challenges in Wendy’s life, and her team has been transparent about the difficulties she’s facing.

In a heartfelt statement, Wendy’s team explained the decision to share her diagnosis with the public. They emphasized that this choice was made not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy but also to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. “Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with these conditions face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis,” the statement revealed. Wendy’s openness about her condition is helping to break down barriers and provide support for others who may be going through similar experiences.