Jimmy Kimmel’s Son Undergoes Third Heart Surgery
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Jason Allen
Jimmy Kimmel, the renowned late-night host, shared a heartfelt update this Memorial Day about his son, Billy Kimmel, who has just undergone his third open-heart surgery at the age of seven. The procedure, which took place at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, involved the successful implantation of a new heart valve, leaving the young Kimmel in recovery.
Jimmy posted on Instagram, expressing both the family’s relief and immense gratitude, featuring a photo of Billy smiling in his hospital bed. “Our boy Billy had his third (of three, we hope) open heart surgery. 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,” Jimmy captioned the photo.
The comedian extended profound thanks to the medical team at CHLA, highlighting the “brilliant surgeon Vaughn Starnes, cardiologist Tim Casarez,” and numerous other dedicated staff members who played crucial roles in Billy’s care. “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,” Kimmel reflected.
He continued by acknowledging the support systems that make such medical miracles possible, including the Affordable Care Act, which he noted facilitates care for families regardless of their ability to pay. Kimmel also recognized corporate donations from Disney, his employer, and individual contributions that support the hospital’s mission, as reported by the NY Post.
Kimmel’s message also contained personal notes of gratitude towards his family and friends for their overwhelming support, and to his wife Molly for her strength during this challenging time. “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 wrote.
In May 2017, Kimmel first disclosed Billy’s congenital heart condition that necessitated immediate surgery shortly after his birth. A second surgery followed in December of the same year, with hopes that this third procedure would be his last.
Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney, who also share a 9-year-old daughter, Jane, remain hopeful and supportive as their son recovers. Kimmel’s family’s journey has not only been a personal challenge but has also served to raise awareness about pediatric healthcare and congenital heart conditions.
