Wendy Williams is taking three weeks off from her talk show.
The former radio personality turned daytime TV show host was candid with her live audience Wednesday as she made the announcement. The 53-year-old has Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism, both of which she has spoken about in the past.
"Wendy is a true champion and has never missed a day of work. But her health and well-being must be put before all else," a show representative told People. "Wendy has been openly dealing with her Graves' disease for many years, in addition to hyperthyroidism. Yesterday, Wendy's doctor prescribed a necessary three weeks of rest to get her levels and medication in sync. The show will be in repeats during this unplanned hiatus. A live show was produced today so that Wendy could speak directly to her fans and explain her condition."
Michael Loccisano
Michael Loccisano
“My doctor has prescribed -- are you ready? As of today, three weeks of vacation,” she said.
Williams then described the symptoms that come with Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism.
“Along with hyperthyroid and Graves’ disease, it promotes nervousness,” Williams said. “No, I’m not nervous. Anxiety, please. I’m over 30 years in this game.”
Related: Watch: Wendy Williams faints on live TV
The wife and mother to a teenage son did admit she has some symptoms, including a rapid heartbeat.
“Now, I can cop to irritability, but I’m just thinking it’s me micromanaging,” she said.
Ever the workhorse, Williams said she would be back in less than three weeks.
“I’ll be back in two (weeks). I’m not an heiress. Who is going to pay my bills? Are you serious? I’m just saying, I come from working class,” she said.
Williams said she blamed her symptoms on the stresses of being a working wife and mother, encouraging women to put their health first.
“What I want to say to women, more than men, is stop putting everyone first because if we’re not good, they’re not good,” she said.
Williams took three days off last week after she said she was "feeling flu-ish." It was the first time she was out sick from the show since it started in 2009.
In October, Williams fainted on-air while introducing a segment.
"That was not a stunt," Williams said at the end of that episode. "I overheated in my costume, and I did pass out. But you know what? I'm a champ and I'm back."
CNN reported that there will not be a fill-in host for the show. Repeat episodes will air during the hiatus.
Watch Williams’ message to viewers below.
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