Jimmy Kimmel’s 7-year-old son, Billy Kimmel, has successfully undergone his third open-heart surgery. The late-night host shared the good news on his show and social media, expressing his relief and gratitude for his son’s recovery.
Billy Kimmel’s Health Journey
Billy Kimmel was born with a treatable heart condition that required immediate surgery after his birth in April 2017. This was the first of three surgeries aimed at addressing his congenital heart defect. The second surgery followed in December 2017, and now, the third surgery has brought new hope for Billy’s health.
Successful Surgery at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
On Memorial Day, Jimmy Kimmel revealed that Billy needed a new heart valve, which was successfully replaced by the medical team at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Kimmel expressed his relief, sharing a heartwarming photo of Billy smiling in his hospital bed. “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,” Kimmel wrote on Instagram.
Gratitude and Appreciation
Kimmel extended his gratitude to everyone who supported his family during this challenging time. He thanked the medical professionals at the hospital, as well as the friends, family, and strangers who offered prayers and positive energy. “Walking around this hospital, meeting parents at their most vulnerable, children in pain and the miracle workers who do everything in their considerable power to save them is a humbling experience,” he shared.
Praising His Wife and Son
In his heartfelt post, Jimmy Kimmel praised his wife, Molly McNearney, for her incredible strength throughout Billy’s health journey. “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,” Kimmel added.
A Family of Strength
Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney also have a 9-year-old daughter named Jane. Kimmel has two older children from his previous marriage to Gina Maddy: a daughter, Katie, aged 32, and a son, Kevin, aged 30. The family has rallied around Billy, providing immense support and love during his health battles.