Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger became a familiar name because of an extraordinary aviation emergency. Now, the retired pilot is speaking publicly about a different experience: living with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and deciding how to move forward with his family.
The 75-year-old disclosed his diagnosis in July 2026. In a September interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, he and his wife, Lorrie, discussed the changes they noticed and the emotional adjustment that followed.
Sullenberger described forgetting names and repeating himself. Lorrie explained that the initial changes were subtle enough to overlook. Their account shows why the beginning of a serious illness may look very different from the advanced symptoms people often associate with it.
During the interview, Sullenberger said he was receiving monthly infusions intended to slow the disease’s progression. He also spoke about his concern for Lorrie as a caregiver. Their daughter Kelly described spending time together as a family priority.
A public statement with a personal message
In his July 14 statement, Sullenberger also mentioned disrupted sleep and forgetting that he had already told a story. He described his diagnosis as early-stage and said his family would accompany him through what lay ahead.
The statement began with his wife, their two daughters and the joy of becoming grandparents. That introduction placed his health news within the everyday relationships that matter to him.
He connected his decision to speak publicly with a lifetime of service. His career has included military and commercial aviation, accident investigation and service as the U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization. After becoming widely known, he advocated for stronger aviation safety.
Sharing his diagnosis, he explained, was another way to help others feel able to speak openly.
The flight that made him known worldwide
On January 15, 2009, Sullenberger and first officer Jeff Skiles were flying US Airways Flight 1549 when the aircraft struck a flock of geese. They made an emergency landing on New York’s Hudson River.
All 150 passengers and five crew members survived. The event became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” turning Sullenberger into a widely recognized figure and giving his subsequent safety advocacy a much larger audience.
Understanding the diagnosis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease and the most common form of dementia. It is not a normal consequence of getting older, even though some changes in memory can accompany aging.
Warning signs can include memory problems that disrupt daily life, difficulty completing familiar tasks, problems managing money, changes in judgment or mood, and misplacing objects without being able to retrace one’s steps.
These symptoms do not, by themselves, establish an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The CDC recommends medical evaluation because other, more treatable conditions can also cause difficulties with memory or thinking.
There is currently no cure. Treatment may help manage symptoms or slow progression for some people, while an accurate diagnosis can give families time to discuss care needs, treatment options and future plans.
Sullenberger’s decision to share his experience brings a familiar face to those conversations—and keeps attention on the person and family behind the diagnosis.