Wendy Williams to Take Hiatus From Talk Show Due to ‘Complications’ With Graves Disease
“Wendy will be under the strict supervision of her physicians, and as part of her care, there will be significant time spent in the hospital,” her family says
Wendy Williams will be taking time off from her daytime talk show due to complications with Graves disease, producers announced on Friday.
“Over the past few days, Wendy has experienced complications regarding her Graves’ Disease that will require treatment,” a statement from the host’s family said. “Wendy will be under the strict supervision of her physicians, and as part of her care, there will be significant time spent in the hospital. Despite her strong desire to return, she is taking a necessary, extended break from her show to focus on her personal and physical well-being.”
No end date for her hiatus was given, but “The Wendy Williams Show” distributor Debmar-Mercury said that the company would “will welcome her back with open arms the moment she is ready.”
Last month, Williams offered an apology to viewers after appearing to flub her words and struggling to read a teleprompter. She attributed the mistakes to medications she had been taking for a recent shoulder injury. Earlier in 2018, Williams had taken a three-week hiatus after being diagnosed with Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder which affects the thyroid.
“Despite her strong desire to return, she is taking a necessary, extended break from her show to focus on her personal and physical well-being,” the Williams family statement continued. “Wendy thanks everyone in advance for their well-wishes and for respecting her and The Hunter Family’s privacy during this time.”
“The Wendy Williams Show” is set to return with original episodes the week of Jan. 28 with a rotating stable of guest hosts.
Happy Halloween! Here's How Daytime TV Dressed up (Photos)
"Steve"
Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer dressed up in vintage Las Vegas flair, and the audience dressed up in 1950s garb.
"Steve"
"Rachael Ray Show"
Rachael Ray celebrated Halloween on her show with an '80s themed zombie prom. She's pictured here with her husband John Cusimano and singer Debbie Gibson.
CBS
"Good Morning America"
The GMA squad never disappoints on Halloween with their elaborate group costumes. This year, Amy Robach, Michael Strahan, Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Lara Spencer, and Sam Champion dressed as classic '80s TV characters.
ABC
"Ellen"
Rebel Wilson joined Ellen DeGeneres as the volleyball from "Cast Away," and the talk show host dressed up as dental assistant Kelly D. from New Jersey.
Warner Bros.
"The Price Is Right"
Drew Carey got spooky for the show's Halloween special.
CBS
"The Talk"
The CBS hosts celebrated Halloween with its Fourth Annual Rocktober Lip Sync War. Hosts Eve, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne and Sheryl Underwood dressed up as iconic musicians.
CBS
"TODAY"
NBC's "Today" hosts also had '80s fever, and they all dressed up as iconic characters from the decade. Savannah Guthrie was Cyndi Lauper, Hoda Kotb was Elton John, Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer were Marty McFly and Doc Brown from "Back to the Future," Craig Melvin was Prince Akeem from "Coming to America," Kathie Lee Gifford went as Madonna, Willie Geist was Ferris Bueller from "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off," Sheinelle Jones was Tina Turner, Jenna Bush Hager and Peter Alexander dressed up as characters from "Top Gun" and Carson Daly went as Bruce Springsteen.
Nate Congleton/NBC News’ “TODAY”
"Page Six TV"
The hosts of Page Six TV got into the Halloween spirit. Carlos Greer rocks Chadwick Boseman’s King T’Challa from "Black Panther," Elizabeth Wagmeister went as Ariana Grande, and Bevy Smith dressed as Tina Turner.
Tamara Beckwith/ NY Post
"The View"
The hosts of "The View" got fierce this year. Whoopi Goldberg dressed as Vampirina, Joy Behar went as The Mid-Terminator, Sunny Hostin as General Okoye from “Black Panther," Meghan McCain was Elsa from “Frozen" and Abby Huntsman was Lady Gaga.
ABC
"Live with Kelly and Ryan"
Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest went through several looks for their "Live's Best Halloween Show Ever: the ReBOOOOt" episode, including this "Friends"-inspired one.
David M. Russell/Disney/ABC
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The ’80s are back this year
"Steve"
Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer dressed up in vintage Las Vegas flair, and the audience dressed up in 1950s garb.