Former TV personality Wendy Williams has been spotted for the first time in a year following her shocking aphasia and dementia diagnoses.
Williams made her rare public appearance while out and about with her 24-year-old son, Kevin Hunter Jr., on Aug. 19. The pair was visiting a holistic wellness store in New Jersey.
African Bio Mineral Cell Food shared a snapshot of Wendy Williams posing with the owner, Victor Bowman. She was all smiles while donning long orange hair and wearing a long navy blouse with white boots as she held a shopping bag and bouquet of colorful flowers.
Earlier this year, Williams’ healthcare shared the news that she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
“The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy,” the healthcare team stated in a statement on Feb. 22. “But to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances.”
The statement was made shortly before the premiere of Lifetime’s documentary Where Is Wendy Willaims? which gave an inside look at the former talk show host’s health conditions. She has battled alcoholism as well as Graves’ Disease.
Despite having both disorders, the healthcare team stated that Wendy Williams “maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed.”
The team then noted, “She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”
Wendy Williams Was ‘Touched’ By Support Following Her Diagnosis
Not long after her healthcare team released a statement, Wendy Willaims broke her silence. She stated she was “touched” by the outpouring of support she had received from fans. She pointed out the “power of unity and need for compassion.”
“I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia,” Wendy shared. She also said she will continue to maintain her “personal space and peace to thrive” amid her health battles.
“Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated,” she stated.
She also shared, “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. The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion.”