Veteran New York television news anchor Bill Ritter announced his retirement from WABC-TV during his final broadcast after revealing he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Ritter, who has anchored the main evening news at the ABC affiliate since 2001, made the announcement during what became his final Eyewitness News broadcast. The longtime anchor has been a familiar presence to millions of New York City area viewers over more than two decades behind the news desk.

The veteran journalist's departure marks the end of a career spanning over 20 years at WABC-TV, where he became one of the most recognizable faces in New York television news. Ritter has been presenting the station's flagship evening newscast since joining the network in 2001.

According to reports, Ritter indicated he plans to continue reporting on Alzheimer's disease following his retirement from daily anchoring duties. The announcement represents a sudden conclusion to his long tenure at the New York station.

Ritter's disclosure adds him to a growing list of public figures who have shared their Alzheimer's diagnoses, bringing increased visibility to a disease that affects millions of Americans and their families.