Who Is Bill Ritter’s Wife, Kathleen? All On Her As WABC Anchor Retires After Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

Longtime WABC-TV anchor, Bill Ritter announced that he is stepping down from his post on June 12, 2026. The Eyewitness News host officially bid adieu to the anchor desk after being diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Notably, it is unclear if the ailment is the reason behind Bill’s decision; however, the timing of the two events makes fans think so. The 76-year-old journalist shared the emotional news at the end of his final 6 p.m. broadcast. Bill joined WABC in 1998 and remained part of the organisation until June 2026, leaving fans heartbroken upon his retirement.

Bill’s latest move of stepping down from his anchor duties and his Alzheimer’s diagnosis have put his wife, Kathleen Friery, into the spotlight. Just like his long-term association with WABC, he has been in a long-term relationship with his spouse. As per reports, they have spent almost two decades together. She is best positioned to understand his situation and guide him through the retirement phase, as she belongs to the same profession. Here’s everything we know about her.

Who is Bill Ritter’s wife, Kathleen Friery?

Kathleen Friery is a talented individual in her own right, beyond being Bill Ritter’s better half. She is an award-winning television producer and media trainer. Like Bill, she has a background in broadcast journalism. She worked in the field for 20 years. In 1998, Kathleen was a producer on the 20/20 and Good Morning America shows. At that time, Bill was a correspondent for 20/20, which led to their early bonding. Kathleen’s notable ventures include serving as Executive Producer of Anderson Cooper 360 from 2004 to 2010.

Kathleen also worked as a senior producer for CNN’s Connie Chung Tonight. She is reliable at her job and has been honoured with several accolades for her contribution to TV show production. She won four Emmy Awards for her production work at CNN. Kathleen put her all into her job and even covered relatively challenging news like Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 Presidential Primaries. It fetched Kathleen Friery the honourable Peabody Awards. She also received the DuPont Award for her coverage of the South Asia tsunami.

Kathleen Friery has ventured into entrepreneurship and philanthropy

Besides being a television journalist, Kathleen Friery is also interested in other things. She has her own business as an independent media trainer. The aim of her self-employed venture is to help clients improve their public communication and presentation skills. She coaches them on how to pitch their ideas, handle the press, and address other crucial aspects. The Emmy winner is also a philanthropist. She, along with her husband, started the Kathleen Friery & Bill Ritter Scholarship to support student interns pursuing their education at SUNY Potsdam.

More about Kathleen Friery and Bill Ritter’s relationship

Kathleen Friery and Bill Ritter’s relationship evolved from a professional collaboration to a romantic union. The duo began working together on the 20/20 show in 1998. It is not clear exactly when the couple started dating; however, it is known that they enjoyed a long dating era before deciding to get hitched. Kathleen and Bill walked down the aisle in September 2008, and as of July 2026, they are still together. They currently reside in New York with their children. The couple has one biological child, and he has two kids from his previous marriage. Overall, they are parents to three children, two daughters, Mia Ritter and Ella Ritter, and a son, Owen Ritter.

His daughters have served not just as a source of happiness but also as inspiration. He revealed that it was, and who encouraged him to finish his undergraduate education at The New School in 2016. Now, what makes it memorable? He had a chance to earn the degree at San Diego State University 40 years ago, but he was asked to leave for some reason. Notably, even after his daughters’ push, he failed to complete the course due to being expelled for protesting the Vietnam War just one semester before graduating.

What are your thoughts on Bill Ritter and his wife, Kathleen Friery’s long-term, enduring relationship? Let us know.

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Photos courtesy: Kathleen Friery Media Training, Bill Ritter/X