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

The news comes as the former TV personality continues her fight to gain independence from a court-ordered guardianship.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Thomas Williams, the father of Wendy Williams, has died at the age of 94. Wendy's niece, journalist Alex Finnie, announced Thomas' passing in a heartfelt Instagram post. The news comes as Wendy continues to battle a court-ordered guardianship over her personal and financial affairs.

Why it matters

Wendy Williams has been fighting to dissolve the court-ordered guardianship that was put in place due to claims that she is cognitively impaired. The loss of her father, who was a key figure in her life, adds further complexity to her ongoing legal battle for independence.

The details

Thomas Williams, Wendy Williams' 94-year-old father, passed away on February 8, 2026. Wendy's niece, journalist Alex Finnie, announced his death in an emotional Instagram post, describing him as a man of "extraordinary love, strength, brilliance, and wisdom." Thomas' wife, Shirley Williams, had died in 2020 at the age of 85. Wendy was last pictured with her father in Miami in February 2025 for his 94th birthday, though she was unsure at the time if she would be permitted to visit him due to the court-ordered guardianship over her affairs.

  • Thomas Williams died on February 8, 2026.
  • Wendy Williams' mother, Shirley Williams, died in 2020 at the age of 85.
  • Wendy was last pictured with her father in Miami in February 2025 for his 94th birthday.

The players

Thomas Williams

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

Wendy Williams

The former TV personality who is currently under a court-ordered guardianship and is fighting to regain her independence.

Alex Finnie

Wendy Williams' niece, a journalist who announced the passing of Wendy's father Thomas in an emotional Instagram post.

Shirley Williams

Wendy Williams' mother, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 85.

Sabrina Morrissey

Wendy Williams' legal guardian, who may have restricted Wendy's ability to visit her father for his 94th birthday in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I'll be loving you always ❤️🕊️🙏🏾”

— Alex Finnie, Wendy Williams' niece (Instagram)

“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. I know he is in heaven with Nana, watching over our family and continuing to guide us as he always has.”

— Alex Finnie, Wendy Williams' niece (Instagram)

“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)

The takeaway

The passing of Wendy Williams' father, Thomas, adds further emotional turmoil to her ongoing legal battle to regain control over her personal and financial affairs. This loss underscores the complex challenges Wendy faces as she continues to fight the court-ordered guardianship that has restricted her independence.