Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, renowned for his extraordinary emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, has bravely disclosed his diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, he opened up about how this neurodegenerative disorder is affecting his daily life and expressed his desire to raise awareness for millions facing similar challenges.
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At 75, Sullenberger has always been celebrated for his exceptional memory and quick decision-making skills. However, he began to notice lapses in his memory over the past year, a shift that led him to consult medical professionals. “I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease,” he stated, revealing that he received the diagnosis in August 2025. The pilot described his condition as early stage, which currently manifests itself in difficulty with names, occasional forgetfulness of stories he has shared, and disrupted sleep patterns.
The National Library of Medicine estimates that approximately 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s, and Sullenberger’s diagnosis has brought attention to the widespread nature of the disease. He reflected on this reality, acknowledging that it affects individuals across all age groups. “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,” he remarked, highlighting the unfamiliarity and fear that often accompany such a diagnosis.
Despite this challenging news, Sullenberger’s wife, Lorrie, noted that her husband’s foundational qualities remain steadfast. She encouraged hope and resilience, stating that they are continuously finding joy in everyday moments. “Just as he was the same steady person before and after Flight 1549, he is the same steady person now, before and after this diagnosis,” she affirmed. The couple, alongside their two daughters and granddaughter, is committed to navigating this journey together with optimism.
Jeff Skiles, Sullenberger’s first officer during the emergency landing, expressed his deep concern for his friend. He described Sully as a larger-than-life figure and remarked upon how unaware one would be of any issues simply by engaging with him. “He’s somebody that I’ve always looked up to, and I think a lot of other people do, too,” Skiles stated, hoping that Sullenberger’s condition will progress slowly, allowing him to continue inspiring those around him.
Following the diagnosis, Sullenberger and his family deliberated on their next steps. True to his nature, he opted to utilise his profile to advocate for awareness surrounding Alzheimer’s disease. “I have spent my life in service, in the U.S. Air Force, as a commercial airline pilot, and as an accident investigator,” he reflected, highlighting his history of supporting the safety of the travelling public. He hopes sharing his story will empower other families living with hidden struggles to step forward and find their voice.
Looking towards the future, Sullenberger is determined not to allow his diagnosis to stifle his aspirations. He is set to be honoured with his induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in September. “Though it may impact my memory of the past, this diagnosis will not prevent me from looking forward to and appreciating our future,” he assured. He expressed gratitude for his family, declaring that the arrival of his granddaughter has deepened his appreciation for life.
Clay Presley, a passenger from Flight 1549 who later became a friend to Sullenberger and now serves on the board of the Sullenberger Aviation Museum, reflected on their past discussions. He recalled how Sullenberger once stated that the emergency landing was not the defining moment of his life. “I really do believe that this is going to give him the opportunity to accomplish even more things. It’s certainly not going to define him,” Presley conveyed, underscoring Sully’s ongoing legacy.
In closing, Sullenberger emphasised the importance of courage, a trait that became evident during the incident that made him a national hero. “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,” he proclaimed. This spirit of resilience and commitment to advocacy promises to shine a light on the journey through Alzheimer’s, fostering hope among families grappling with the same challenges.