Montel Williams on Surviving MS and Stroke: ‘Faith, Determination, and Family Keep Me Going’

Montel Williams has met the difficulties of living with multiple sclerosis head on — and welcomes the opportunity to face any challenge!

At 68, the talk show icon insists he’s thankful for his extraordinary life in which he was diagnosed with MS in 1998 and suffered a devastating stroke in 2018.

“Despite the challenges of living with MS and surviving a stroke, I’ve managed to maintain a positive outlook and stay active,” says Montel, who retired from the Navy as a lieutenant commander after 22 years serving as a cryptologic officer. “It’s all about taking care of your health and staying committed to your goals.”

His health challenges have not slowed Montel’s immense resilience, which he says “comes from a combination of faith, determination and support from loved ones. Surrounding myself with positive influences and staying active keeps my spirits high.”

Chief among those positive people is Montel’s beloved spouse of 18 years.

“My wife, Tara, is my rock,” he says. “She has been an unwavering source of support and inspiration through all of life’s challenges. Her strength and compassion have been pivotal in helping me maintain a positive outlook, especially during the tougher times. Having someone by your side who believes in you and can lift you up when you need it most makes an incredible difference.”

While “The Montel Williams Show” is long gone, he currently has two Lifetime programs — “The Balancing Act,” a morning series aimed at helping busy women and “Military Makeover with Montel,” a home-improvement show aiding military families. In addition, Motel has two podcasts and coauthored a book on the history of the USS Intrepid battleship that’s due to hit bookstores in May.

The key to “The Balancing Act,” says Montel, “is to stay current and relevant. We always bring in fresh, exciting content and gusts who have compelling stories or expertise to share.”

As a Navy veteran he finds”Military Makeover” to be most gratifying. Montel confides, “What I love most about doing the show is the opportunity to give back to our veterans and their families.”

And he has done it all while battling the grueling symptoms of MS — thanks to his outlook on life. “I’ve always believed in the power of a positive mindset and the importance of staying proactive in managing my health,” says Montel. “My family, friends and fans have been incredibly supportive, and that has kept me going.”