Wendy Williams reveals her 61st birthday wish—and her plea is heartbreaking
  • Celebrities
  • Entertainment
  • Royals
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • Americas
  • Latina Powerhouse
  • Photos
  • HOLA+
Wendy Williams reveals her 61st birthday wish—and her plea is heartbreaking
  • Celebrities
  • Entertainment
  • Royals
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Lifestyle
  • Food
  • Americas
  • Latina Powerhouse
  • Photos
  • HOLA+
Newsletter
Subscribe
DIGITAL MAGAZINE
  • USA
  • España
  • Americas
  • México
  • Home
  • Celebrities

celebrity birthdays

Wendy Williams reveals her 61st birthday wish—and her plea is heartbreaking


That public statement was one of many signals that Wendy is ready to fight back


© WireImage
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
JULY 18, 2025 7:03 PM EDTJUL 18, 2025, 7:03 PM EDT

Wendy Williams just turned 61 and is crystal clear about what she wants most this year. The former daytime queen, known for her no-filter candor and sharp wit, spent part of her birthday week celebrating in New York City. But the real headline isn't where she dined or who she was with, it's what she said.

Walking into Delmonico's with two of her attorneys and her longtime friend and former producer, Suzanne Bass, Williams was asked by TMZ what she wished for on her birthday. Without missing a beat, she replied: "To get out of guardianship."

© GC Images
Wendy Williams are Ray J are seen walking in soho on June 28, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)

The Fight for Her Freedom

Wendy has been under legal guardianship since May 2022, a court-appointed arrangement that has controlled many aspects of her personal and financial life. While the legal specifics remain confidential, the star has been outspoken in her belief that she doesn't need to be under anyone's control.

She currently resides in a wellness facility in New York City, but over the last several months, she's made it clear she wants her independence back.

© GC Images
Wendy Williams go to dinner at Fresco by Scotto on February 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

In a rare interview earlier this year, Wendy described her situation as "what some people would call a luxury prison," adding that she has extremely limited access to the outside world. But perhaps most heartbreakingly, she declared: "I am not cognitively impaired."

That public statement was one of many signals that Wendy is ready to fight back, take control, and reclaim her life.

A New Kind of Birthday Wish

The Wendy we've watched for decades, the one who fearlessly took on pop culture from her purple throne, is still there, just temporarily muted by a legal situation she believes is unnecessary. Her latest birthday marks not just another year, but a declaration of intent.

Back in April, fans rallied in New York in support of Wendy's fight to exit guardianship. Holding signs and chanting her name, they made it clear that the public hasn't forgotten her. And more importantly, they're listening.

© WireImage
Wendy Williams attends Daniel's Leather Fashion Show featuring Dame Dash at Harbor New York City on February 15, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Wendy, in turn, expressed deep gratitude. "It was nice to see so much support," she said. But she also admitted something that speaks volumes about her emotional state: "At this point in my life, I can't trust a lot of people."

What Comes Next for Wendy?

This birthday feels like a turning point. Wendy's legal team is reportedly working on her behalf to challenge the guardianship arrangement, and she appears increasingly optimistic that change is possible.

© GC Images
Wendy Williams is seen out on July 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)

For now, Wendy is keeping her circle small, her words precise, and her mission loud and clear. She's walking toward 61 as a woman on a mission.

© ¡HOLA! Reproduction of this article and its photographs in whole or in part is prohibited, even when citing their source.

Other Topics
  • Celebrity Birthdays
  • Celebrity News
It May Interest you
Bella Hadid turns up the heat in stunning bikini looks during dreamy tropical vacation
Bianca Censori shows off her signature bold style in a skin-tight black bodysuit
Eva Longoria shares her admiration for Victoria Beckham amid Brooklyn and Nicola drama
Ana de Armas finds joy in a winter wonderland, sharing snowy moments with her dogs and close friends
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson separate again after 30-year domestic pact ends
Hailey Bieber poses in a sheer lace look with slingback heels and fashion’s hottest accessory
Kim Kardashian smiles in skin-tight leather on set of new Eva Longoria Netflix movie
Zendaya gives rare glimpse into her private life in London with fiancé Tom Holland
READ MORE
Dolly Parton turns 80 with a joke: ‘I’ve outlived so many plastic surgeons’By Maria Loreto
Lori Harvey turns 29, showing her great physique with a series of bikini looks
Kai Trump stuns in a red gown at Tiger Woods' 50th birthday bashBy Maria Loreto
Christian Nodal celebrates 27th birthday with a surprise present from Pepe AguilarBy Maria Loreto
LATEST NEWS
Chrissy Teigen reveals big rule to keep her and John Legend's 13-year marriage alive
Marius Borg case: How Norway’s royal family will carry on during the high-stakes trial
Millie Bobby Brown debuts chic hair transformation
Joe Jonas reveals which Latin American cuisine he prefers to eat while in Miami
Jessica Alba's vegetable-filled pozole recipe divides the internet
Lauren Sánchez Bezos is quietly becoming the queen of Haute Couture Week Paris
5 Gemini red flags and the zodiac signs they’re most compatible with
Natalia Boneta
© 2000-2026, HOLA S.L.
  • ¡HOLA! Spain
  • ¡HOLA! Americas
  • HELLO! UK
  • HELLO! US
  • HELLO! Canada
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Settings
  • Do not sell or share my data
  • Legal Notice
  • Cookies Policy
  • Compliant channel
  • Contact