Journalist Alex Finnie, Wendy Williams’ niece, announced the passing of her grandfather Thomas D. Williams in a heartfelt Instagram tribute on Sunday, Feb. 8. The post featured a montage of family photos celebrating his life.

“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,” Alex wrote. She described him as an author, educator, and keeper of historical facts who poured into both family and community.

Alex expressed her deep grief, writing that she knows he is in heaven with her grandmother, Shirley Williams, who died in 2020 at age 85. Wendy Williams confirmed her mother’s passing during an episode of her show at the time.

Wendy, now 61, was last seen publicly with her father in Miami in February 2025 while celebrating his 94th birthday. At the time, she revealed she was unsure if she would be allowed to travel to see him due to her court-ordered guardianship.

During an emotional January 2025 appearance on The Breakfast Club, Wendy said she didn’t know whether her legal guardian would permit the visit. She has repeatedly denied allegations of cognitive impairment and continues to fight to end the guardianship.

Court documents obtained by People state the arrangement was upheld in August 2025 after doctors completed a new medical evaluation. Williams has maintained her desire for independence throughout the legal proceedings.

Wendy Williams rose to fame as a radio DJ before launching The Wendy Williams Show in 2008. The talk show ran for 13 seasons, becoming a pop-culture staple. Despite recent health struggles and legal battles, she remains an influential figure who reshaped daytime talk television.