Wendy Williams' Father Thomas Dies at 94 Amid Her Guardianship Battle

Wendy's family mourns the loss of her father as she continues to fight her court-ordered guardianship.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Thomas Williams, the father of TV personality Wendy Williams, has passed away at the age of 94. The news comes as Wendy, 61, continues to battle the court-ordered guardianship she was placed under in 2022 due to alleged cognitive impairments. Wendy's niece, journalist Alex Finnie, confirmed Thomas' death on Instagram, describing him as a man of "extraordinary love, strength, brilliance, and wisdom." Wendy has publicly denied the claims of cognitive impairment that led to the guardianship.

Why it matters

Wendy Williams' ongoing guardianship battle has been a high-profile case that has raised questions about personal autonomy and the rights of individuals facing health challenges. The death of her father adds an additional emotional layer to the situation as Wendy fights to regain control of her own affairs.

The details

Thomas Williams died at the age of 94. His granddaughter, journalist Alex Finnie, announced his passing on Instagram, describing him as a man of great intellect who "poured into both family and community." Wendy Williams has been under a court-ordered guardianship since 2022 due to alleged cognitive impairments, which she has publicly denied. Her family, including her brother Tommy, have advocated for her release from the guardianship, stating that she is "stuck" in a treatment facility and that her family is capable of caring for her.

  • Thomas Williams passed away on February 8, 2026.
  • Wendy Williams was placed under a court-ordered guardianship in 2022.

The players

Thomas Williams

Wendy Williams' 94-year-old father, described as a man of "extraordinary love, strength, brilliance, and wisdom" by his granddaughter.

Wendy Williams

A 61-year-old TV personality who has been under a court-ordered guardianship since 2022 due to alleged cognitive impairments, which she has publicly denied.

Alex Finnie

Wendy Williams' niece, a journalist and morning news anchor for Miami's local WPLG news outlet.

Tommy Williams

Wendy Williams' brother, who has advocated for her release from the guardianship, stating that she is "stuck" in a treatment facility and that her family is capable of caring for her.

Kevin Hunter

Wendy Williams' ex-husband, who filed a $250 million lawsuit against Wendy's legal guardian and others involved in her guardianship case.

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What they’re saying

“It is with an extremely heavy heart that I share — after 94 years of extraordinary love, strength, brilliance, and wisdom, my grandfather Thomas D. Williams has passed. My grandfather was truly a man of great intellect — an author, educator and keeper of historical facts. Papa poured into both family and community. I miss him tremendously. I'm a little lost for words right now, but I love you endlessly Papa. Give Nana a kiss for me ❤️.”

— Alex Finnie, Wendy Williams' niece (Instagram)

“Let her out.”

— Tommy Williams, Wendy Williams' brother (Us Weekly)

What’s next

Wendy Williams' legal team has requested that the $250 million lawsuit filed by her ex-husband Kevin Hunter be dismissed, as Wendy does not want the case to move forward. The court will need to determine the next steps in Wendy's ongoing guardianship battle.

The takeaway

The death of Wendy Williams' father adds a deeply personal element to her ongoing guardianship battle, which has raised important questions about personal autonomy and the rights of individuals facing health challenges. As Wendy continues to fight for her freedom, her family's support and the public's understanding will be crucial in navigating this complex situation.