Wendy Williams’ Family Breaks Their Silence, Shares Sad News

The family of Wendy Williams has come forward to share the deeply personal journey of the former television icon over the past few years. Known for her personality and the catchphrase, “How you doin’?” Wendy Williams’ absence from the limelight has been a source of speculation among followers.

Williams, who turned the gossip world into a platform for candid conversation and entertainment has faced significant health challenges, including a battle with alcohol addiction and the effects of Graves’ disease and lymphedema. Her presence on television came to a halt, leading to a period of intense personal trials that mirrored the kind of stories she once navigated on her show.

The family of the former host broke their silence in this week’s PEOPLE cover story, sharing their firsthand account of the challenges faced during a difficult time.

“We’ve all seen the images over the last few months — and, really, few years — of what has seemed like a spiral for my aunt,” said Williams’ niece, Alex Finnie. “It was shocking and heartbreaking to see her in this state.”

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The Lifetime documentary team started their filming in August 2022 with the initial aim of documenting Williams’ journey towards making a comeback, focusing on her efforts to kickstart a new podcast.

However, the direction of the film shifted dramatically as the team ended up documenting Williams’ battle with alcohol addiction and her fight against health challenges, including Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition known for causing bulging eyes, and lymphedema, which leads to swelling in her feet. Williams also took on the role of executive producer for the project.

In an unsettling revelation, the documentary highlighted moments of confusion and memory loss, with Williams at one point asking her driver to take her past her former show’s studio, forgetting she had made the request moments earlier. The gravity of her condition became more apparent in April 2023 when she entered a facility for “cognitive issues,” with her son revealing a connection between these issues and her alcohol use.

“I don’t know what the hell is going on,” Williams’ driver explained in the documentary. “I think she’s losing memory. She doesn’t know who I am sometimes.”

The family’s ordeal is compounded by legal and financial entanglements, including a temporary financial guardianship imposed by a New York court due to concerns over Williams’ cognitive health and potential financial exploitation.

In the documentary, Williams alleged that her guardian, whose identity remains confidential, embezzled funds from her. The filmmakers mention that she failed to present any proof of these allegations. The decision left her family grappling with restricted access, leading to confusion about her well-being.

During the ongoing dispute over her financial situation, Williams found solace in Miami, surrounded by her family. It was there that her son mentioned he ensured she stayed clear of alcohol, adhered to a vegan diet, and engaged in personal training sessions. The family was keen on prolonging her stay; however, they indicate that the show’s producers had opposing views.

Her 23-year-old son, Kevin Jr. shared, “I told the producers, ‘No, she’s not coming back up because she needs to get better.’”

“I made sure that business was always on the back burner and that health was the number one priority.” By June, The Wendy Williams Show had been canceled. A source from the production team noted, “Wendy loved doing the show. Losing it just devastated her.”

Williams continues to stay in the facility, with her family indicating that a court-appointed legal guardian is the sole individual granted unrestricted access to her.