Jenny McCarthy Recalls Barbara Walters’ Possible Early Dementia Signs on ‘The View’
The late Barbara Walters, a celebrated television news icon, passed away at 93 in 2022 after reportedly facing a confidential struggle with dementia. However, Jenny McCarthy, her former co-host on The View, suggests there were indications of her declining health during their time together on the ABC daytime talk show, years before her death. McCarthy’s recent remarks have brought renewed attention to Walters’ final years and her legacy in broadcast journalism.
McCarthy’s Account of Walters’ Health
During a recent guest appearance on Maria Menounos’ Heal Squad podcast, as reported by Us Weekly, McCarthy stated that her role on The View was to contribute a “pop culture buzzy girl” element, reflecting the program’s shift towards more lighthearted content.
“I was brought in to inject pop culture into The View,” McCarthy recounted. “They dismissed Joy [Behar] and Elisabeth [Hasselbeck] at that time. The aim was to completely revamp the show and make it less serious.”
Early Signs of Cognitive Decline
McCarthy described an instance shortly after Walters conducted an interview with pop star Katy Perry for a special broadcast. According to McCarthy, the veteran journalist exhibited memory lapses regarding the singer. “Who is Katy Perry?” Walters allegedly questioned when Perry’s name arose in conversation.
“That was the initial moment I recognized that Barbara was exhibiting early symptoms of dementia,” McCarthy shared with Menounos. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh no.’ It was barely a week into my tenure on the show. Subsequently, the producers announced, ‘We’re changing direction. Pop culture is out. We’re reverting to a focus on politics.’”
Shift Away from Pop Culture
McCarthy implied that this alteration in the show’s format was implemented because “[Barbara] was comfortable with political discourse, but unfamiliar with pop culture topics.”
Rumors and Public Perception
Although rumors circulated regarding Walters’ battle with dementia in her later years, a formal diagnosis was never publicly disclosed.
McCarthy’s Tenure on ‘The View’
Jenny McCarthy was among the numerous personalities who co-hosted The View, the successful ABC talk show created by Walters. She served as a co-host alongside Sherri Shepherd and Whoopi Goldberg from 2013 to 2014. McCarthy’s contract was not renewed after one year, coinciding with Walters’ own departure from the program.
McCarthy’s Reflection on ‘The View’ and Barbara Walters
McCarthy conveyed to Menounos that her experience on The View was “the most challenging job imaginable.” However, following Walters’ death, the Masked Singer host expressed gratitude for the opportunity Walters had provided.
“My Dear Barbara, Thank you for your affection, guidance, support, encouragement, and for welcoming me to ‘the table,’” she posted online, according to The Daily Mail.
“Your global influence is immense. Your impact on my life is indelible,” she continued. “You will remain an icon, in every sense, and a cherished friend. With love always, Jenny. Rest in peace.”