Wendy Williams has been allowed to visit her father for his 94th birthday – despite ongoing restrictions under her court-appointed guardianship. The development marks a rare exception to her current living arrangements, which have been closely monitored since 2022.
The former television host, 60, was photographed arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday (15.02.25), ahead of her dad Thomas Williams Sr’s birthday celebrations – after Wendy, who is currently living in a New York City wellness facility, had previously expressed uncertainty about whether she would be able to attend due to her conservatorship. Her appearance at the airport marked her first public outing in several months.
Her visit came after a judge ruled she was permitted to fly to Miami for two days to celebrate with her father, and photos taken at the airport showed her smiling as she sat in a motorized scooter upon arrival. The brief reunion represents a significant moment for the Williams family, who have faced limited contact under the guardianship arrangement.
“My dad is going to be 94 next month. I don’t know if I’m able to fly to Miami to say happy birthday to my dad,” Wendy had spoken about her uncertainty regarding the visit last month during an emotional interview on ‘The Breakfast Club’ with Charlamagne tha God. The interview garnered over 2 million views within 24 hours of its release.
Wendy also attributed the uncertainty to her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, saying: “Listen, I don’t know if she’s going to let me see my dad for his birthday.” This statement highlighted the complex dynamics between Williams and her court-appointed guardian.
Sabrina has overseen Wendy’s finances and health since 2022, while her family has had limited contact with her. The guardianship was established following concerns about Williams’ mental and physical health, according to court documents.
A source with knowledge of the case told ‘The Breakfast Club’ the guardianship court holds the final decision over whether Wendy can travel outside of her New York facility, where she receives round-the-clock medical care. The facility specializes in comprehensive wellness care for high-profile individuals.
During the interview, Wendy also emphasized the importance of visiting her father due to his advanced age. Her emotional plea resonated with many viewers who took to social media to express their support.
She added: “I’m exhausted thinking about what if I can’t see my dad for his birthday. At 94, the day after that is not promised.” This sentiment reflects the challenging balance between medical care and family connections in guardianship situations.
Wendy’s mother, Shirley Williams, died in 2020 at the age of 85. The loss of her mother made this birthday visit with her father particularly meaningful for the former talk show host.
Her niece, Alex Finnie, who was present for the interview about her guardianship, shared her frustration over the situation, saying: “She wants to be here for his birthday. And the fact that they’re playing games — I’m sorry, that is just absolutely sickening.” Finnie’s comments highlight the family’s ongoing concerns about the restrictions placed on Williams.
The approved visit represents a significant development in Williams’ guardianship case, which has drawn attention to the complexities of conservatorships for public figures. Legal experts note that such arrangements often require careful balance between medical necessity and personal freedom.
This birthday celebration comes amid growing public discourse about celebrity conservatorships and guardianships, with several high-profile cases drawing attention to the legal framework surrounding these arrangements. Williams’ case has particularly highlighted the impact on family relationships.
Sources close to the situation report that the two-day visit was carefully planned with medical considerations in mind, ensuring Williams’ health needs would be met while allowing for this important family moment. The decision to approve the travel request suggests a possible shift toward more flexible arrangements within the guardianship framework.
