Wendy Williams Returns to Show After Extended Leave Due to Graves' Disease Complications

Update: On Feb. 21, “The Wendy Williams Show” announced on Instagram that Williams will be returning to the show on Monday, Mar. 4 following her extended leave. The show will air repeat episodes the week of Feb. 25 with original episodes returning on Mar. 4.

Wendy Williams is taking an extended leave from her daytime talk show due to complications from Graves’ disease.

The show announced on Friday that these complications require treatment and that Williams “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,” her family wrote in a statement.

 

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A Note from The Hunter Family As Wendy Williams Hunter previously shared, she fractured her shoulder and has been on the mend. Over the past few days, Wendy has experienced complications regarding her Graves’ Disease that will require treatment. 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. Wendy thanks everyone in advance for their well-wishes and for respecting her and The Hunter Family’s privacy during this time. Statement from Debmar-Mercury For over ten years, Wendy has been a vital part of the Debmar-Mercury family. We wholeheartedly support Wendy in this decision to take the time she needs and we will welcome her back with open arms the moment she is ready. The Wendy Williams Show will air repeat episodes the week of January 21st and will produce original episodes with a variety of hosts starting the week of January 28th.

A post shared by Wendy Williams (@wendyshow) on Jan 18, 2019 at 9:34am PST

Graves’ disease is an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism). Because thyroid hormones affect so many different bodily systems, symptoms can vary widely. Some of the most common include a racing heartbeat, hand tremors, trouble sleeping, weight loss, muscle weakness, eye disease and heat intolerance.

Williams’ complications with Graves’ follow a hairline fracture she sustained just last month, causing her to miss the Dec. 17 taping of her show. She reported in early January that she was “on the mend” from her injury

This isn’t the first time Williams has had to take time off from her show for her health.

Last February she announced she was taking a hiatus due to her Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism. Though her endocrinologist recommended she take a three-week vacation, Williams promised her fans she would be back in two. “I’m not an heiress. Who’s going to pay my bills, are you serious?” she said.

“The Wendy Williams Show,” which has been in reruns since Dec. 24, was originally scheduled to return on Jan. 14. New episodes are still airing this week, but with a panel of “Hot Talkers” filling in for Williams. The show will instead air repeat episodes the week of Jan. 21, with Williams returning on Jan. 28.