Some tough news out of the Big Apple.

Longtime WABC Anchor Bill Ritter announced on Friday’s 6 PM broadcast that he is stepping away from the anchor desk permanently following a diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Ritter, 76, has been a fixture at the Disney/ABC powerhouse since 1998, anchoring the 11 PM and 6 PM broadcasts for well over two decades. Remember, WABC is the undisputed No. 1 station in the No. 1 media market, making this a massive shift for the New York landscape.

"My life has taken a turn," Ritter told viewers during an emotional broadcast. "After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's. This is called early-stage Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay, at least for now. But there is no guarantee here, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's."

He added: "So, unless someone finds an amazing cure and really soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor."

While he is giving up his daily anchoring duties, Ritter isn't leaving the station entirely. He plans to transition into a new role focusing on health reporting—specifically focusing on the disease he is now personally battling.

Ritter noted he will be covering "the rising tide of Alzheimer's, and other similar diseases, including how it's affecting patients and their families, how the price of treatment and the price of caring for patients is simply unaffordable, and how this country might begin to change that."

WABC Vice President and General Manager Marilu Galvez praised the veteran journalist in a statement to staff: "A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity, and, most of all—heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike. While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family."

During his final sign-off, Ritter gave a nod to his longtime behind-the-scenes partner, noting they were "a Muslim producer and a Jewish anchor for 25 years," referring to his 6 PM producer Zahir Sachedina.

Ritter wrapped up his final block with a simple message for the audience: "For now, I wish you health and peace, and let's take care of each other."

FTVLive wishes Bill the absolute best as he takes on this next chapter.