Ted Williams, the Columbus man who became an instant celebrity because of his golden radio voice, said on Thursday that he was heading back to rehab to battle drug and alcohol dependency.
Williams told 10TV News that he is heading back to the Origins Recovery Center in South Padre Island, Texas.
Video taken by 10TV News Thursday showed Williams at Port Columbus International Airport with his boarding pass and luggage.
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The destination is the same place that Dr. Phil McGraw arranged for him to attend in January. McGraw offered to pay Williams' expense at the rehabilitation center.
"I'm going back to get some real recovery and some rest," Williams said. "Dr. Phil's concerns and cares will not go in vain. I hope I can successfully complete this whole journey and come back and say, 'Hey Dr. Phil. I did it.'"
Williams left Origins after less than two weeks there in January.
He told 10TV News that he was not sure whether McGraw's all-expenses offer was still valid, but said some lucrative job offers will allow him to pay for treatment.
"If I have to pay for it myself, that's what I'll do," Williams said.
He said that he plans to stay at Origins for at least 30 days.
Williams said that he just finished writing a book and is still shopping a reality show to television networks.
In January, the Columbus Dispatch posted a 97-second video of Williams, who was standing at the corner of Hudson Street and Interstate 71 on the northeast side. Williams had a sign around his neck that said he had a "gift of voice" and had "fallen on hard times."
Within 48 hours after the video posting, the panhandler was flown to New York where he made appearances on CBS' "The Early Show" and other national networks. Williams was then reunited with his mother and voiced a commercial for Kraft.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
Previous Stories:
April 13, 2011:
'Golden Voice' Returns To Columbus To Film Commercial, Reality Show
February 8. 2011:
'Golden Voice' Williams Living In L.A., In Drug Treatment
January 28, 2011:
'Golden Voice' Williams Seen In Central Ohio
January 27, 2011:
No News Conference For 'Golden Voice' Williams
January 24, 2011:
'Golden Voice' Ted Williams Leaves Texas Rehab
January 21, 2011:
Girlfriend Of 'Golden Voice' Williams Accepts Dr. Phil's Rehab Offer
January 20, 2011:
Between Discovery, Rehab, 'Golden Voice' Used Drugs, Alcohol
January 19, 2011:
'Golden Voice' Williams Enters Rehab
January 13, 2011:
Homeless Radio Man Headed To Rehab
January 13, 2011:
Promoter Cancels Homeless Radio Man's Appearances
January 11, 2011:
Homeless Radio Man Briefly Held By L.A. Police
January 7, 2011:
Former Rehab Roommate Says Williams' Story Will Inspire Others
January 6, 2011:
'Golden Voice' Williams Reunites With Mother
January 5, 2011:
Offers From MTV, Cleveland Cavaliers Coming To Man With 'Golden Voice'
January 4, 2011:
Video Of 'Golden Voiced' Panhandler Goes Viral
