Entertainment TV Wendy Williams Speaks Out About the Fate of Her Namesake Show: 'It's Been a Challenging Time' "She understands why this decision was made from a business point of view," Wendy Williams' rep Howard Bragman said By Dory Jackson Dory Jackson Instagram Twitter Website Dory Jackson is an Associate Editor for PEOPLE's digital TV team. While at the brand, she's had the opportunity to interview a long list of celebrities, from Kate Hudson to Pierce Brosnan to Billy Porter. She also recaps popular TV shows like The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules.The New York-based Maryland native graduated from Randolph-Macon College in May 2016 with a focus in Communication Studies and Journalism. She came to PEOPLE in March 2021 after working at a number of major news companies, including Newsweek and Us Weekly. She also previously co-hosted a podcast called "Idol Nation." People Editorial Guidelines Published on February 22, 2022 01:24 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Wendy Williams is speaking out after it was confirmed that her syndicated talk show is coming to an end for now amid her ongoing health issues. In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, the 57-year-old's rep, Howard Bragman, said Williams "understands" why recent decisions were made. "It's been a challenging time for Wendy as she deals with her health issues. She is incredibly grateful to Debmar-Mercury, to Sherri and everybody else who has supported the show through this time," Bragman said. "She, more than anyone, understands the reality of syndicated television — you can't go to the marketplace and sell a show that's the 'Maybe Wendy Show,'" he continued. "She understands why this decision was made from a business point of view, and she has been assured by Debmar-Mercury that should her health get to a point where she can host again and should her desire be that she hosts again that she would be back on TV at that time." Sherri Shepherd Announces Return to Daytime TV with Her Own Talk Show Sherri: 'My Dream Come True' Williams' health issues have prevented her from performing her normal hosting duties on The Wendy Williams Show's 13th season. She recovered from a breakthrough COVID-19 case but has continued to suffer from complications tied to her Graves' disease battle. For more on The Wendy Williams Show, listen below to our daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day. The season was delayed twice before Leah Remini stepped in as guest host during the show's October 2021 premiere week. Shepherd, 54, was also tapped to keep the show going alongside Michael Rapaport, Whitney Cummings, Jerry Springer and more stars. But Shepherd managed to drum up season-high ratings when she first took over in November. Manny Carabel/Getty Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. On Monday, it was announced that Shepherd landed her own talk show, Sherri. The series will inherit the timeslot currently filled by The Wendy Williams Show and debut this fall. "OMG! I am so excited to have my dream come true and debut my very own talk show SHERRI in the fall," she said in a statement. "I can't wait until I return to NY to host the show and merge everything I love … pop culture, talk, entertainment and comedy." Added Shepherd, "I am thankful to Debmar-Mercury and FOX for partnering with me on this show and look forward to this new journey." The Wendy Williams Show airs weekdays (check local listings). Updated by Elizabeth Leonard