Wendy Williams on hiatus to be with family after her mom’s death

TV presenter Wendy Williams is taking a break to be with her family following the death of her mother Shirley Skinner Williams at the age of 83. The 56-year-old had announced in December that her mother had passed away “many, many, many, many weeks ago.”

The production company behind Williams’s talks show Debmar-Mercury, shared on Friday that next week’s The Wendy Williams Show would repeat to “allow Wendy to travel and be with her family at this time.” The show’s new episodes will air on Jan. 4, 2021.

The company’s statement read, “Debmar-Mercury extends its deepest condolences to Wendy and her family.”

Williams revealed on Monday’s episode that her mother had passed away at home.

My mom passed away many, many, many, many weeks ago,' Wendy Williams said on camera. "You know how you lose track of the day and time? All I know was it was a long time ago. The five of us, my mom, dad, my siblings, the five of us — she will always be here."

She added that Shirley died “beautifully and peacefully and surrounded by love. She didn’t suffer, thank God.”

Reflecting on the relationship with her mother, Williams said, “Gone is the best mother, the best girlfriend, that a girl could ever have. I feel fortunate that I had her in my life all of my 56 years."