Wendy Williams made a rare public appearance over the weekend, arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday as she continues to navigate serious health challenges. The former talk show host, 60, was seen riding a mobility scooter through the terminal, wearing a black button-down blouse, matching shorts, fishnet stockings, and fuzzy boots, in photos obtained by Us Weekly.
Williams' outing comes amid her ongoing battle with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia, conditions she publicly disclosed last year. "As Wendy's fans are aware, in the past, she has been open with the public about her medical struggles with Graves' Disease and Lymphedema as well as other significant challenges related to her health," a February 2024 press release stated. "Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires."
The statement added that the decision to go public with her diagnosis was made "after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances."
Williams' spokesperson noted that despite her diagnosis, she is "still able to do many things for herself" and retains "her trademark sense of humor." The former host has largely stayed out of the public eye since stepping away from her long-running daytime talk show in 2022.
#WendyWilliams seems happy to be out of New York City ... smiling wide while scootering through an airport in Miami -- all while her guardianship fight carries on. pic.twitter.com/MDmDdhwQ9V — TMZ (@TMZ) February 15, 2025
Following her arrival in Miami, Williams was later spotted at the Brickell City Centre, where she visited a salon for a hair makeover. She debuted fresh blonde highlights, switching from her usual voluminous bangs to a side-parted style. The outing also included stops at jewelry and makeup stores, as Williams appeared to relish her time out of assisted living.
Williams, who has been under a court-appointed guardianship, was granted permission by a judge to travel to Miami for the weekend to celebrate her father's 94th birthday. The trip marked a rare occasion for the television personality, who has been largely absent from public life in recent months.
A source close to Williams said in January that despite her health struggles, "She's still Wendy. Her conversations are just as rhythmic and her mindset is open." The source also noted that Williams occasionally uses a mobility scooter to assist with movement due to lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling due to fluid buildup.
Williams previously spoke about her lymphedema diagnosis in 2019, saying, "It's not going to kill me, but I do have a machine-and how dare you talk about the swelling of it all. I've got it under control." She described using a machine for treatment, spending "45 minutes a day" managing the condition.
Her return to Miami and public appearances come as interest in her life remains high. A recent documentary, "TMZ Presents: Saving Wendy," delves into her health, legal battles, and career decline. Williams has not commented publicly on the project.
The former talk show host took a permanent hiatus from "The Wendy Williams Show" during its 13th season. The program ended in June 2022, shortly before she sought in-patient treatment for undisclosed health issues. While she has kept a low profile since, her recent Miami sightings suggest she remains eager to reclaim some sense of normalcy.
