For millions of New Yorkers, the evening news simply won’t feel the same.

In an emotional and deeply personal farewell, longtime WABC anchor Bill Ritter announced Friday night that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, bringing an end to one of the most recognizable careers in New York television history.

Ritter, 76, delivered the heartbreaking news himself during the closing moments of the June 12 edition of *Eyewitness News*, telling viewers that after nearly three decades at WABC and more than two decades anchoring the station’s flagship 6 p.m. broadcast, he would be stepping away from the desk.

For generations of New Yorkers, Ritter wasn’t just another television personality — he was a familiar and trusted voice who entered living rooms every evening, delivering the day’s headlines with professionalism, steadiness, and a style that felt increasingly rare in modern media.

Now, he says, a devastating diagnosis is forcing him to close that chapter.

“After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer’s,” Ritter said during the emotional broadcast.

He explained that doctors have classified the condition as “early stage” Alzheimer’s and that treatments are currently helping slow its progression.

Still, Ritter spoke candidly about the harsh reality facing patients and families living with the disease.

“There’s no cure yet for Alzheimer’s,” he told viewers, adding that unless medical breakthroughs arrive quickly, Friday’s broadcast would likely be his final time anchoring the news.

The announcement hit especially hard given Ritter’s extraordinary longevity in one of America’s most demanding media markets.

After joining WABC in 1998, Ritter became the face of *Eyewitness News at 6* in 2001, spending nearly 25 years as a fixture of New York journalism during some of the city’s most defining moments — from terror attacks and blackouts to political upheaval and public triumphs.

At a time when trust in media has cratered nationwide, even critics of mainstream journalism acknowledged Ritter’s reputation for consistency and professionalism.

Rather than disappearing entirely from public life, Ritter announced he plans to remain involved in journalism — shifting his focus to covering Alzheimer’s disease itself.

He said he hopes to shine a light on the growing crisis facing patients and caregivers, including the emotional toll, skyrocketing treatment costs, and the overwhelming financial burden many American families quietly endure.

The veteran anchor also reflected emotionally on the people who helped shape his career, especially longtime producer Zahir Sachedina, with whom he worked for more than 25 years.

In a touching moment, Ritter described their partnership as a reflection of New York’s unique character — a city built from different backgrounds and traditions working side by side.

As he signed off, Ritter offered viewers one final message rooted in gratitude and compassion.

“I am going to so miss reporting the news to all of you with the truth and the facts, no matter where they fall,” he said. “It has been my honor.”

The response was immediate and bipartisan.

New Yorkers across the political spectrum flooded social media with prayers, memories, and appreciation for Ritter’s decades of work. Even political leaders weighed in, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who praised his grace and optimism despite difficult circumstances.

In an era of endless media turnover and fleeting fame, Bill Ritter stood as a rare constant.

And now, as he faces the toughest battle of his life, New Yorkers are returning the favor — standing firmly behind a broadcaster who spent decades showing up for them.