On February 22, 2024, Wendy Williams’ team made a heart-wrenching announcement to the world. The beloved talk show host, and proud mom to Kevin Hunter Jr., revealed that she's battling primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Wendy, who has been a beacon of strength and charisma in the entertainment industry, shared her personal struggles, bringing awareness to these often misunderstood conditions.
Meet Wendy Williams' Son, Kevin Hunter Jr.
Kevin Hunter Jr., Wendy’s only child, was born in August 2000. His arrival came during Wendy’s tumultuous marriage to Kevin Hunter, a producer, whom she married in 1997. Their relationship faced numerous challenges, including allegations of infidelity that led to their split in 2019. Their divorce was officially finalized in 2020. Wendy’s journey into motherhood wasn’t her first marriage; she was previously married to Bert Girigorie from 1994 to 1995, a union that ended without any children.
Wendy has often spoken about her son with immense pride and love. In a candid appearance on The View in September 2019, she opened up about how Kevin Jr. has handled the complexities of his parents' separation. “He’s doing very well,” Wendy shared with the hosts. “We talk every day, sometimes even a couple of times a day… He’s in a good space; he only wants to see me and his dad happy.” Her words painted a picture of a resilient young man who understands the importance of family harmony despite challenging circumstances.
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Wendy's Journey to Motherhood
Wendy’s journey to becoming a mother wasn’t easy. She faced several miscarriages before finally welcoming Kevin Jr. into her life. In a heartfelt interview with Essence in 2015, Wendy revealed the depth of her struggles and determination. “I fought tooth and nail to be a mother,” she confessed. “The clothes were already picked out, the nursery was already painted. It was a dream that I held onto with everything I had.” Her perseverance and resilience have been an inspiration to many who’ve faced similar challenges in their own lives.
Kevin Jr.'s Role in Wendy's Life
Kevin Jr. has been a supportive presence in Wendy’s life, even stepping into the spotlight on occasion. He was featured in the February 2024 Lifetime documentary Where is Wendy Williams?, alongside other family members. In the trailer for this two-part series, Kevin Jr. offered a poignant insight into his mother’s world. “My mom has done a great job making it seem like everything is OK always, but in reality, there’s something wrong going on,” he said, highlighting the strength and courage Wendy displays daily.
Although Kevin Jr. keeps a relatively low profile, he has made a few notable public appearances with his mom. One memorable moment was in October 2019 when he joined Wendy to unveil her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This event was a celebration of Wendy's incredible career and her journey as a mother, with Kevin Jr. standing proudly by her side.
Understanding Wendy's Health Diagnosis
Wendy's diagnosis of primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia came after a series of tests in 2023. Aphasia is a disorder that impacts language and communication abilities, while frontotemporal dementia is a progressive condition affecting behavior and cognitive functions. According to the press release from her team, these conditions have already created significant challenges in Wendy’s life.
The decision to share this news was not taken lightly. After much deliberation, Wendy and her team felt it was essential to advocate for understanding and compassion, not only for Wendy but also to raise awareness about these conditions. “Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis,” the statement explained. This revelation aims to support the thousands of others who are also navigating similar circumstances, encouraging empathy and understanding in a world that often misunderstands these conditions.
