Sully Sullenberger Opens up About His Alzheimer’s Concerns
WHO:
NBC News - Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, his wife Lorrie Sullenberger, and their daughter Kelly Sullenberger are involved in the discussion about his Alzheimer's diagnosis.
WHAT:
NBC News - Sullenberger stated, “I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. It is early stage,” and described early symptoms as difficulty remembering names and stories.
NBC News - Sullenberger expressed that his greatest concern is “that this is my last flight.”
NBC News - Lorrie Sullenberger emphasized the importance of discussing Alzheimer’s openly, stating, “This is a disease, not a character flaw.”
NBC News - Kelly Sullenberger mentioned that her priority since her father's diagnosis has been to spend more time with family.
NBC News - Sullenberger announced he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease.
NBC News - Sullenberger stated, “I’ve done harder things than this before” regarding his diagnosis.
NBC News - Sullenberger is receiving monthly treatments aimed at slowing the progression of the disease.
NBC News - Sullenberger expressed concern that this may be his last flight, stating, “But if this has to be my last flight, I’m going to go out using a full afterburner.”
WHERE:
NBC News - The discussion took place on “Good Morning America.”
WHEN:
NBC News - Sullenberger revealed his diagnosis in a post on his website on July 14.
NBC News - Sullenberger is set to be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame this month.
WHY:
NBC News - Sullenberger and his wife decided to speak publicly about his diagnosis to help others and raise awareness, with Lorrie stating, “This is a disease, not a character flaw.”
HOW:
NBC News - Sullenberger described his approach to managing his diagnosis as focusing on “the highest priority items first” and ignoring less critical matters.
NBC News - Sullenberger described his approach to dealing with his diagnosis as focusing on “the highest priority items first” and ignoring less critical matters.
(UPDATED September 23, 2026 22:00 UTC)
Pilot Chesley Sullenberger has announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease, sharing that he struggles with remembering names and stories. He expressed a poignant concern, stating, “this is my last flight,” while his daughter Kelly emphasized the importance of family time since the diagnosis. Lorrie Sullenberger highlighted the need for open discussions about Alzheimer’s, asserting, “this is a disease, not a character flaw,” and Sullenberger himself noted that he is prioritizing the most important aspects of his life as he navigates this challenge.
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(UPDATED September 23, 2026 15:01 UTC)
Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger has announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease, a revelation he shared during a discussion on “Good Morning America” alongside his wife Lorrie and their daughter Kelly. Sullenberger, who is receiving monthly treatments to slow the disease's progression, expressed his determination by stating, “I’ve done harder things than this before,” and mentioned that if this has to be his last flight, he intends to go out using a full afterburner. The family hopes that by speaking publicly about his diagnosis, they can help others and raise awareness, with Lorrie emphasizing that “this is a disease, not a character flaw.”