A television icon is out and about—and celebrating.
On Thursday, July 18, TV and radio legend Wendy Williams turned 61. And while she’s worked hard over her four-decade-long career, she says she only wants one thing this year.
Williams has been seen on birthday outings over the course of the past week. On Tuesday, July 15, she was spotted by TMZ in New York City having dinner at Delmonico’s. With her were two of her attorneys, and Suzanne Bass—her longtime friend and former executive producer. When asked what she’s wishing for this year, the famed personality quickly replied “Out of guardianship.”
In 2022, Williams was placed under a court-ordered conservatorship amid health concerns. In 2024, it was revealed that she was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. Williams has reportedly been asking to be released from the guardianship for years.
This past February, she was said to be living on the fifth floor of a New York City assisted living facility and shared that she had only been outside twice in 30 days—for dentist appointments. She admitted to feeling isolated and depressed. In March, she reportedly scored a “10 out of 10” on the “capacity test” of her cognitive health evaluation.
Other celebrities who have been under guardianship and conservatorship include former child actress Amanda Bynes, who was released from a nine-year conservatorship in March 2022. And perhaps more famously, Britney Spears, whose nearly 14-year conservatorship ended in November 2021 after garnering much attention with the Free Britney movement.
Despite the circumstances, Williams appeared to be in good spirits at her birthday dinner. She was wearing a festive black dress and carrying a Chanel bag. When asked what she and her crew plan to discuss at dinner, Williams humorously replied: “What to eat!”