Sully Sullenberger, Famed 'Miracle on the Hudson' Pilot, Reveals Alzheimer's Diagnosis

WHO:

US Magazine - Sullenberger is 75 years old.

CNN - Sullenberger's doctor is Dr. Gil Rabinovici with UCSF Medical Center.

NBC News - Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger announced his diagnosis.

NY Post - Capt. Sully Sullenberger is known as the Hero of the Hudson.

WHAT:

US Magazine - Sullenberger stated, "For now, this means a [new chapter in my life]."

CNN - Sullenberger expressed the need for courage to battle Alzheimer's, saying, "Now we need that courage to battle this disease. I am now part of a larger community with many of you, and we will be courageous together."

CNN - Sullenberger stated, "My doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici with UCSF Medical Center, has opened my eyes to the prevalence of Alzheimer’s."

US Magazine - Sullenberger said, "For now, this means a [new chapter in my life]."

US Magazine - Sullenberger stated, "I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. It is early stage."

CNN - Sullenberger stated, "This disease, he has told me, spares no age group and impacts millions of people around the world. It is the unwanted visitor at the door."

CNN - Sullenberger described Alzheimer's as a progressive brain disorder that leads to memory loss and other intellectual inabilities, stating it is the most common form of dementia and is fatal with no cure.

Fox News - Sullenberger pledges to raise brain health awareness following his diagnosis.

CBS News - Sullenberger stated, "I’m not going to let this disease define me."

NBC News - Sullenberger has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

NY Post - Sullenberger has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s.

TMZ - Sullenberger was diagnosed with Alzheimer's last year.

WHERE:

NY Post - Sullenberger is recognized for landing a commercial airplane on the Hudson River.

WHEN:

TMZ - Sullenberger's Alzheimer's diagnosis occurred last year.

WHY:

TMZ - Sullenberger is not allowing his diagnosis to stop him from living his life.

HOW:

CNN - Sullenberger pledged to share his journey to help other families facing the illness.

Fox News - Sullenberger pledged to share his journey to help other families facing the illness.

NBC News - Sullenberger publicly announced his diagnosis.

(UPDATED July 15, 2026 15:22 UTC)

Sullenberger, now 75 years old, has announced a new chapter in his life as he faces the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. He emphasized the importance of courage in battling this illness, stating, "Now we need that courage to battle this disease," and expressed his commitment to being part of a larger community in this fight. Additionally, he pledged to share his journey to support other families who are navigating similar struggles.

(UPDATED July 15, 2026 12:19 UTC)

Sullenberger has revealed that his doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici from UCSF Medical Center, has made him aware of the widespread impact of Alzheimer’s disease. He mentioned that this marks a new chapter in his life, and he is committed to sharing his journey to assist other families dealing with the illness. This pledge highlights his dedication to raising awareness and support for those affected by Alzheimer’s.

(UPDATED July 15, 2026 02:48 UTC)

Sullenberger has announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease. In a recent statement, he shared this personal news with the public. The announcement was made at 18:18 UTC through US Magazine.

(UPDATED July 14, 2026 21:18 UTC)

Dr. Gil Rabinovici from UCSF Medical Center is the physician for Sullenberger, who recently spoke about the profound impact of Alzheimer's disease, describing it as a progressive brain disorder that leads to memory loss and is the most common form of dementia. Sullenberger emphasized that this disease spares no age group and affects millions globally, calling it "the unwanted visitor at the door." He urged for courage in the fight against Alzheimer's, stating, "Now we need that courage to battle this disease," and expressed solidarity with others facing similar challenges.

(UPDATED July 14, 2026 20:19 UTC)

Sullenberger has pledged to raise awareness about brain health following his recent diagnosis. This commitment was announced during a segment on Fox News. He aims to shed light on the importance of mental well-being and the challenges associated with brain health.

(UPDATED July 14, 2026 19:24 UTC)

Sullenberger has made a powerful statement, declaring, "I’m not going to let this disease define me." This remark was shared during a CBS News segment at 19:24 UTC. His words resonate with many as they highlight resilience in the face of adversity.

(UPDATED July 14, 2026 18:19 UTC)

Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, famously known as the Hero of the Hudson for his remarkable emergency landing of a commercial airplane on the Hudson River, has publicly announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Although he received this diagnosis last year, Sullenberger is determined not to let it hinder his life. He continues to inspire many with his resilience and commitment to living fully despite the challenges he faces.