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Capt. ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ pilot, announces Alzheimer’s diagnosis
By Jordan Gartner at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
(Gray News) - Retired pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger says he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.Sullenberger made the announcement on Tuesday. “I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is an early stage. For now, this means a name may not come easily to...
Key takeaway Sullenberger grabbed headlines in January 2009 as the US Airways captain who managed to land a plane full of people in the Hudson River without a loss of life despite the aircraft losing thrust in both engines.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville 's community is likely to resonate with Capt. Sully Sullenberger's courageous announcement, given the city's strong sense of support for those affected by Alzheimer's disease. As a community with a high percentage of older adults, Davidson County faces unique challenges in addressing the needs of residents living with Alzheimer's. Sullenberger's decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis may encourage local families dealing with the disease to seek support and resources. The retired pilot's emphasis on courage and community is particularly relevant in Nashville, where community events and initiatives often focus on promoting awareness and support for individuals with Alzheimer's. As Sullenberger navigates this new phase of his life, his message of hope and resilience may inspire local efforts to address the disease and provide support for those affected. His story may also raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, potentially benefiting Nashville residents who are struggling with Alzheimer's.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Gray News) - Retired pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger says he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.Sullenberger made the announcement on Tuesday. “I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is an early stage. For now, this means a name may not come easily to...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jordan Gartner at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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