Current:Home > FinanceBenjamin Ashford|Jimmy Kimmel shares positive update on son Billy, 7, following third open-heart surgery -Elite Financial Minds
Benjamin Ashford|Jimmy Kimmel shares positive update on son Billy, 7, following third open-heart surgery
Indexbit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-11 05:14:25
Jimmy Kimmel's son Billy is Benjamin Ashfordon the mend nearly six weeks after he underwent a third open-heart surgery.
The "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" host, 56, told Entertainment Tonight "Billy's doing great" in an interview published Monday.
"He's got the scars and everything, but he's just mentally right back where he was which is crazy," the comedian said of his 7-year-old. "Physically we're gonna have to be careful with him for a couple of months, but he's doing really well."
Kimmel, who is a father of four, added that kids "are so resilient" and seemingly "made of rubber."
On May 27, Kimmel revealed in a post on Instagram that Billy had his "third (of three, we hope) open heart surgery."
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
"We went into this experience with a lot of optimism and nearly as much fear and came out with a new valve inside a happy, healthy kid," the talk show host continued.
Previous:Jimmy Kimmel's son Billy, 7, undergoes third open-heart surgery
Kimmel wrote a lengthy appreciation for his son's medical team at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, adding that the hospital helps families "families regardless of their ability to pay" thanks to the Affordable Care Act and company donations.
"Thanks to those loving strangers who took time to pray for and send positive energy to our baby, thanks to our family and friends for rallying around us to an almost-ridiculous extent, thank you to my wife Molly for being stronger than is reasonable for any Mom to be and Billy, you are the toughest (and funniest) 7 year-old we know," he continued. "There are so many parents and children who aren’t fortunate enough to go home after five days."
Kimmel first revealed in 2017 during an emotional opening monologue for "Jimmy Kimmel Live" that Billy had to have his first open-heart surgery just three days after he was born.
His son was born with a congenital heart condition called tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, the comedian told the audience at the time. "Basically, the pulmonary valve was completely blocked and he has a hole in the wall between the left and right sides of his heart," he explained.
Through tears, Kimmel still managed to joke, "Poor kid. Not only did he get a bad heart, he got my face."
The rare defect causes four different heart problems, according to Mayo Clinic. The cause is typically unknown.
veryGood! (71876)
Related
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Paris Olympics organizers say they meant no disrespect with ‘Last Supper’ tableau
- 9 Self-Tanners to Help Make Your Summer Tan Last
- Sinéad O'Connor's cause of death revealed: Reports
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Torri Huske, driven by Tokyo near miss, gets golden moment at Paris Olympics
- Lady Gaga introduces Michael Polansky as her 'fiancé' during Paris Olympics
- For 'Deadpool & Wolverine' supervillain Emma Corrin, being bad is all in the fingers
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Why Fans Think Pregnant Katherine Schwarzenegger Hinted at Sex of Baby No. 3
Ranking
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- MLB trade deadline rumors heat up: Top players available, what to know
- Aurora borealis incoming? Solar storms fuel hopes for northern lights this week
- 9 Self-Tanners to Help Make Your Summer Tan Last
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Rita Ora spends night in hospital, cancels live performance: 'I must rest'
- Jennifer Stone Details Messy High School Nonsense Between Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus Over Nick Jonas
- Krispy Kreme: New Go USA doughnuts for 2024 Olympics, $1 doughnut deals this week
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Michigan’s top court gives big victory to people trying to recoup cash from foreclosures
Federal Reserve is edging closer to cutting rates. The question will soon be, how fast?
Canada appeals Olympic women's soccer spying penalty, decision expected Wednesday
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
USA Women's Basketball vs. Japan live updates: Olympic highlights, score, results
Paris Olympics organizers apologize after critics say 'The Last Supper' was mocked
'Lord of the Rings' exclusive: See how Ents, creatures come alive in 'Rings of Power'