Wendy Williams’ Triumphant Return to New York: Embracing a New Chapter After a Challenging Year
After a much-needed break enjoying family time and the warm Florida sunshine, iconic talk show host Wendy Williams is eagerly anticipating her return to the bustling energy of New York City. The dynamic personality recently shared her heartfelt sentiments, expressing how deeply she’s “missing her show” and is more than ready to immerse herself back into her demanding work routine in the Big Apple. This homecoming marks a significant moment for Williams, signaling a fresh start and a renewed focus on her career after a tumultuous period in her personal life.
“Thx Miami, but I can’t wait to get home!!” Wendy Williams, 55, enthusiastically captioned a Instagram post. The candid photo captured her at Miami International Airport, radiating an air of excitement and readiness. Having spent the festive Christmas holidays surrounded by her loved ones in Florida, the time had clearly arrived for her to journey back north. In the image, the talk show host sported a classic Yankees hat, embodying a quintessentially New York state of mind – a clear indication of where her heart and focus truly lie. Her longing was palpable: “I’m sooo missing doing the show & my routine. Family is great, but ok bye!” she playfully added, underscoring her commitment to her professional life and her loyal audience. The post also revealed her playful side as she pondered, “I’m in the lounge trying to figure out who has the best soul food for New Year’s day.”
Williams’ query about New Year’s Day soul food wasn’t just a casual thought; it delved into a rich cultural heritage. “In my culture, certain foods on THAT day represent health & money. Are you familiar with this 1800s tradition?” she asked her followers, highlighting a tradition steeped in history and profound symbolism. Indeed, as confirmed by reputable culinary sources like The Spruce Eats, this custom is deeply ingrained, particularly in the Southern United States. The practice of consuming specific dishes associated with “soul food” on New Year’s Day is believed to usher in good fortune for the entire year ahead. These cherished culinary traditions are not merely about taste but are infused with hope and positive affirmations for the future.
The core elements of this Southern New Year’s Day meal carry distinct meanings. Black-eyed peas, often prepared with pork, symbolize coins or prosperity, with each pea representing a financial gain. Collard greens, or other leafy greens like mustard greens or turnip greens, are thought to represent paper money, promising wealth and abundance in the coming twelve months. Cornbread, golden in color, is said to symbolize gold, further reinforcing the theme of financial stability and success. And finally, pork, derived from pigs that root forward when they forage, is believed to represent progress and moving ahead in life. Some interpretations also suggest that eating chicken or seafood on this day should be avoided, as chickens scratch backward (symbolizing looking to the past) and seafood moves sideways (implying stagnation). Given these beliefs, Wendy Williams’ choice would certainly lean towards an extra helping of mustard greens with ham over a shrimp cocktail, ensuring she aligns with the traditions that promise health and wealth for 2020.
Considering the challenging trajectory of Wendy Williams’ past year, her earnest desire to commence 2020 on a positive note is entirely understandable. The year 2019 proved to be an exceptionally difficult period, marked by significant personal upheavals and public revelations. It was the year when Williams courageously announced on live television that she had sought treatment in rehab and was living in a “sober house,” opening up about her struggles with addiction and prioritizing her well-being. This brave admission resonated deeply with many, showcasing her vulnerability and commitment to recovery. Moreover, 2019 was also the year her longstanding marriage to Kevin Hunter irrevocably crumbled, largely due to the painful revelation that he had fathered a child with another woman. These personal crises, played out in the glare of the public eye, tested her resilience and strength to their core.
The dissolution of her marriage to Kevin Hunter, who was not only her husband but also her longtime manager and business partner, added another layer of complexity to her already challenging year. Wendy filed for divorce from Kevin in April, initiating a separation that would reshape both her personal and professional life. At the time, a representative for Williams issued a statement indicating that her husband “is supportive of Wendy, and they are working through this process together. No additional comment will be provided at this time.” This public pronouncement, while attempting to maintain a semblance of unity, underscored the profound changes occurring behind the scenes. The ending of such a significant relationship, particularly one intertwined with her career, required immense strength and courage from Williams as she navigated a new path forward.
View this post on InstagramThx Miami, but I can’t wait to get home!! I’m sooo missing doing the show & my routine. Family is great, but ok bye! I’m in lounge trying to figure out who has best soul food for New Year’s day. In my culture certain foods on THAT day represent health & money. Are you familiar with this 1800s tradition?
A post shared by Wendy Williams (@wendyshow) on
Shortly after Wendy initiated her divorce proceedings, Kevin Hunter publicly addressed the impending separation. He stated his intention to “continue to work with and fully support my wife in this business and through any and all obstacles she may face living her new life of sobriety, while I also work on mine.” This statement hinted at the complexities and challenges of their shared professional past and the personal journeys they were both embarking on. However, the separation was anything but smooth. A deeply unsettling incident occurred in May 2019, when Kevin became involved in a physical altercation with his and Wendy’s then-18-year-old son, Kevin Hunter Jr. The incident, which reportedly took place during a parking lot scuffle, led to Kevin Jr. allegedly punching his father in the face. While Kevin Jr. was arrested for assault, the prosecution ultimately declined to pursue charges against him, and the case was dismissed in July. This episode further highlighted the immense strain and turmoil affecting the family unit during this period of transition.
Since making the difficult decision to end her marriage with Kevin, Wendy Williams has found solace and strength by spending her holidays surrounded by her devoted family in Miami. This time away from the intense media spotlight allowed her to heal and reconnect with her loved ones, providing a much-needed sanctuary after a year filled with personal battles. She enjoyed a “good” Thanksgiving with her relatives in Florida, and her Christmas celebration was described as equally wonderful and restorative. The profound impact of this familial embrace was underscored by a source who exclusively told HollywoodLife, “Having all the love and support from her huge family has made all the difference in the world.” This unwavering support network proved invaluable, helping Wendy navigate the emotional aftermath of her divorce and sobriety journey.
The source further elaborated on Wendy’s gratitude for her family: “Wendy feels so grateful and blessed to be able to see them whenever she cares, but to have them around this Christmas made it especially memorable for her.” This sentiment highlights the depth of comfort and stability her family provided during a time when she was rebuilding her life. Their presence allowed her to recharge her emotional batteries, reflect on the past year, and look toward the future with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. This period of familial warmth and unconditional support was crucial in preparing her mentally and emotionally for her highly anticipated return to work and her beloved show.
The “Wendy Williams Show” is more than just a television program; it is Wendy Williams’ vibrant platform, her daily connection to millions, and a significant part of her identity. Her expressed sentiment of “missing her show” speaks volumes about her dedication and passion for her craft. The show, known for its unique blend of celebrity gossip, hot topics, and Wendy’s unfiltered opinions, has carved out a distinct niche in daytime television. It is a place where she can engage directly with her audience, share her life experiences, and entertain with her signature wit and charm. For Wendy, the show represents routine, purpose, and a community of viewers who have stood by her through thick and thin. Her return to the purple chair is not just a professional comeback but a reaffirmation of her enduring spirit and commitment to her fans.
As Wendy Williams prepares to step back into her New York routine and reclaim her throne on daytime television, there’s an palpable excitement surrounding her return. Her journey through 2019 – marked by personal struggles, public vulnerability, and eventual triumph – has only deepened her connection with her audience. She embodies resilience, showing that even in the face of profound adversity, it is possible to emerge stronger and more determined. Her eagerness to embrace the New Year’s Day traditions of health and money further symbolizes her optimistic outlook and her readiness to welcome prosperity and well-being into her life. Fans and colleagues alike are undoubtedly looking forward to witnessing the next exciting chapter of Wendy Williams’ inspiring story unfold as she returns to her beloved Big Apple, ready to shine brighter than ever in 2020.