Wendy Williams Discusses Life in Care Facility
Wendy Williams has shared some details about her living conditions at Cotley, an upscale nursing home in New York City’s Hudson Yards. Reportedly, she resides on a designated memory care floor.
In a phone call from the facility, Williams expressed her dissatisfaction, mentioning that the memory care area is locked and she requires approval from both staff and her guardian to leave. Interestingly, she doesn’t have access to a cell phone; however, there is a landline available for outgoing calls.
Her friend, Max Tucci, who owns an Italian eatery in New York, recounted that Williams described the restaurant she used to frequent as “trash.” He noted the odd contrast: “It seems like a place for wealthy families to send their grandmothers, but,” he added, “that’s not what she needs. Wendy is honest.”
During their conversation, Williams quizzed a reporter who had toured the facility, asking, “Did you see any elderly people? Why would I want to see that? This is the worst situation. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve requested to be moved off this floor.”
Placed under a court-appointed conservatorship in 2022, Williams was diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia in February 2024, although she continues to deny having dementia.
The facility, described by The Cut, boasts an elegant lobby with fresh flowers, marble floors, and impressive chandeliers. Amenities include round-the-clock nursing staff, a private movie theatre, a snack bar, and a spa for active residents.
Williams has been relatively out of the spotlight, but she has started appearing in public again. For instance, she attended New York Fashion Week recently. Reflecting on her outings, she shared, “You know I’ve been out before, so of course I’m going to go out.” Additionally, she mentioned attending services at a Brooklyn megachurch, which she finds uplifting.
Initially, Williams stayed on the third floor, which had expansive windows with city views and marble bathrooms. A friend recounted that he had to leave after encountering an unpleasant situation at the facility’s restaurant.
Williams told The Cut that a judge had allowed her to use an iPad in her memory care suite, which reportedly costs $25,800 per month. Her estate is also covering legal fees related to her conservatorship. There are indications of financial concerns, as her conservator sold her apartment at a loss earlier this year and adopted two cats.
Though the memory care units are somewhat stark—lacking stoves or locks for safety—Williams has been spotted exercising, appearing to be in good spirits during a treadmill workout overlooking the city.
In a twist, Wendy’s ex-husband, Kevin Hunter, recently filed a lawsuit claiming she was competent and seeking changes to her conservatorship. Hunter has received substantial alimony from Williams over the years and targeted a hefty payoff in his lawsuit. However, a judge has recently dismissed his case, leaving the door open for him to amend it.
As Williams navigates this complex situation, her son, Kevin Jr., remains deliberately distant from the ongoing drama, stating he just wants his mother to escape her current circumstances. New medical reports are expected in the near future, which could impact the future of her conservatorship.
