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Wendy Williams, now at the age of 60, has bravely shared her life story with the public. The acclaimed former host of The Wendy Williams Show appeared in a compelling two-part documentary film about her journey, which premiered on February 24, 2024. In a revealing trailer, Wendy opened up about her struggles, disclosing painful truths regarding her health and career challenges. “I have no money,” the 59-year-old stated in the trailer, emphasizing the stark reality of her situation. “And I’m gonna tell you something. If it happens to me, it could happen to you.” This highlights the vulnerability and fragility of her current circumstances, resonating with viewers and fans alike.
The trailer for Lifetime’s Where is Wendy Williams? was released in early 2024, presenting a different perspective on the beloved TV personality. Her family members, including her son Kevin Hunter Jr., are prominently featured in the film, expressing deep concerns about her well-being. “My mom has done a great job making it seem like everything is okay always, but in reality, there’s something wrong going on,” her son candidly shared in the film. This sentiment underscores the contrast between Wendy’s public persona and her private struggles, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of her life.
In March 2025, Wendy was admitted to an assisted living facility following a welfare check conducted by authorities. Reports from TMZ indicated that she successfully passed a mental capacity test, which raised questions about her current state and the nature of her care. As the documentary premiere approaches, there is much to learn about Wendy’s life today, highlighting her journey through adversity and her ongoing quest for stability and health.
Exploring Wendy Williams’ Iconic Journey on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’
The long-awaited return of The Wendy Williams Show faced numerous delays due to Wendy’s health issues, leading to other hosts filling in for her during the fall of 2021. By mid-2022, the beloved talk show was officially canceled, marking the end of an era for fans of celebrity gossip and entertainment news. Sherri Shepherd stepped into Wendy’s time slot with her own show, Sherri, which reportedly left Wendy feeling devastated. The talk show, which initially premiered in 2008, quickly gained popularity for its candid celebrity interviews and gossip, making Wendy a household name during her reign.
In a March 2022 interview with Good Morning America, Wendy expressed her desire to make a triumphant return to television. “I’m 57 years old now but I have the mind and body of a 25-year-old,” she humorously remarked during the conversation. “Give me about three months. There are private things that I have to deal with and then I’ll be ready to come back and be free and ready to do my thing. Keep watching because I’m going to be back on The Wendy Show, bigger and brighter than ever.” Her words reflect her determination and resilience as she navigates her personal challenges while maintaining hope for the future.
Wendy Williams’ Ongoing Health Challenges and Triumphs
Wendy’s health struggles have been a significant factor in her delayed return to her iconic talk show. Back in 2018, she publicly disclosed her diagnosis of Graves’ disease, a serious autoimmune condition. During a live audience segment in February that year, she bravely shared insights about her ongoing health battles, as reported by CBS News. “My thyroid has been totally cattywampus and that is the eye thing that you all have been seeing. You caught it before I did,” the Love Triangle alum candidly explained, showcasing her vulnerability while seeking understanding from her fans.
Wendy directly addressed public speculation about her eye appearance, clarifying it was due to her Graves’ disease. “My thyroid, my hyperthyroid is attached also to Graves’ disease,” she elaborated. “Graves’ disease squeezes the muscles behind your eyeballs and so that’s the reason for — ” she then widened her eyes to emphasize her point. At that time, her medical team advised her to take a three-week break from her work schedule, highlighting the impact of her health on her professional life.
By 2022, Wendy’s health challenges had intensified, leading her publicist to issue a statement to Hollywood Life in September. The release indicated that Wendy had begun treatment at a wellness facility to address her ongoing health issues. “Wendy has entered a wellness facility seeking help to manage her overall health issues. 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,” the statement read. “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 successfully exited the rehab facility by October 2022, marking a hopeful step in her recovery journey.
On January 16, 2025, during a candid interview on The Breakfast Club with Charlamagne Tha God, Wendy expressed her feelings about her mental state, stating, “I am not cognitively impaired but I feel like I am in prison,” referring to her conservatorship situation. “I’m in this place with people who are in their 90s and their 80s and their 70s. …. These people, there’s something wrong with these people here on this floor. I am clearly not.” This poignant statement highlights her desire for autonomy and reflects her ongoing struggles with her current living arrangements.
Insight into Wendy Williams’ Family Concerns and Support
As the documentary premiere approaches, Wendy’s family has voiced growing concerns regarding her health and well-being. In addition to her battle with Graves’ disease, Wendy has faced challenges related to alcohol addiction, as reported by PEOPLE. In June 2023, her son Kevin spoke out about his mother’s drinking habits, revealing, “There are a lot of people who are very aware that there is an issue with her drinking and how that issue may be helped, but I think these people are taking advantage of it while allowing it to play out to make it look like they aren’t causing the issue,” he shared with The Sun at that time. This statement indicates a deeper concern for Wendy’s health and the potential exploitation of her vulnerabilities.
In response to Kevin’s assertions, Wendy’s manager Will Selby disputed claims of any exploitation. “Taking advantage of her for what? To get what? To do what? I’m not here to brag, but I was doing just okay before Wendy came along and I insisted on helping her because she requested my assistance,” he stated in a conversation with Entertainment Tonight. He further explained, “Wendy is under a guardianship. Everything that she does gets approved by the guardianship. A court-appointed guardianship,” emphasizing the legal oversight in her life. “So, no one, even if they wanted to take advantage of her — everything has to get approved by that court. So, any type of business dealings that we do, Wendy, myself, and anyone — we have to get the guardianship to sign off on it. So how can anyone take advantage of her?” This paints a picture of a complex situation involving legal and personal challenges.
Currently, Wendy remains in care at the wellness facility, according to PEOPLE. The only person allowed regular access to her is her appointed legal guardian. “The people who love her cannot see her,” Wendy’s sister Wanda, 65, lamented during the documentary’s trailer. “I think the big question is: How the hell did we get here?” As fans eagerly await the two-part documentary about Wendy, set to air on Lifetime starting February 24, 2024, the conversations surrounding her health and future continue to resonate deeply.
