Jimmy Kimmel & Son Billy Showered With Love After 'Third Open Heart Surgery' Revelation
By Afouda Bamidele on May 28, 2024 at 12:00 PM EDT
Updated on May 28, 2024 at 12:02 PM EDT
Jimmy Kimmel is over the moon following his son's successful heart surgery, and fans couldn't be happier about the fantastic news.
Prayers and blessings rained on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" talk-show host and his family after he updated the world about his 7-year-old son, Billy. He shared the news in a lengthy post about the operation and how the little boy braved the emotional journey.
Jimmy Kimmel Reflects On His Son's Heart Surgery
On his Instagram page, Jimmy shared a post-surgery picture of his son on a hospital bed. Despite the medical tubes attached to him, Billy flashed a bright smile for the camera, earning his father's praise in the post's caption.
"This weekend, 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 revealed.
He thanked surgeon Vaughn Starnes, cardiologist Tim Casarez, and the other hard-working medical practitioners at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) for helping his family with their "immeasurable kindness and expertise."
Jimmy continued, "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."
The Talk Show Host Praised The Hospital For Outstanding Services
View this post on Instagram
Given his son's successful surgery, it was unsurprising that CHLA took the bulk of Jimmy's message. He praised them for their fantastic service and assured fans that they helped families regardless of their ability to pay.
According to Jimmy, financially-strained families could receive the care they needed at CHLA thanks to the Affordable Care Act, generous donations from companies like Disney, and other charitable people.
"Thank you, Dr Paul Viviano - my family and I are so grateful to have you in our city and in our lives. Thanks to those loving strangers who took time to pray for and send positive energy to our baby," Jimmy continued, adding:
“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.”
Kimmel Implored Fans To Support Other Families
View this post on Instagram
Despite being happy about his son's successful heart surgery, Jimmy didn't forget the other families at CHLA. "There are so many parents and children who aren't fortunate enough to go home after five days," he lamented.
Jimmy implored fans to support these families, writing, "Please share your love, hearts, and prayers with them, and if it moves you, support @ChildrensLA (link in bio) or a great children's hospital near you (@CMNHospitals)."
"Nothing matters more than taking care of each other. With love and gratitude, Jimmy," he concluded his heartwarming post. As stated, his words sparked an outpour of love and support from friends and fans.
Entertainment's Biggest Names Hail Billy's Bravery
View this post on Instagram
Hollywood veteran John Stamos sent his prayers to Jimmy's son, writing: "God bless your little Billy. He's lucky he has parents like you and also the care of the good folks at CHLA."
TV personality Ellen DeGeneres echoed similar sentiments, commenting, "Sending love to your whole family and thanks to everyone at CHLA for everything you do." Canadian-American actor Nathan Fillion added:
"To a quick recovery, Billy. CHLA saved a friend of mine with heart issues when he was a wee lad, as well. Love those people over there."
Justin Theroux, an actor and filmmaker, hailed Jimmy's son with the comment: "Bravo Billy," a sentiment actress Helen Hunt echoed by writing: "Go Billy" with two red heart emojis.
Jimmy Kimmel's Son Wanted To Punch Olivia Rodrigo's Ex In The P-nis
Last October, The Blast reported that Jimmy's son proudly declared he would defend singer Olivia Rodrigo from her ex-boyfriend. The little boy made the bold statement during an episode of his father's talk show.
The scene featured a surprise appearance from the "obsessed" singer, where she pretended to be a hitchhiker while Jimmy and his wife drove their kids, Jane and Billy, to school.
The parents stopped to pick up Rodrigo, and their children blushed with excitement. When asked which of her songs was his favorite, Billy promptly replied, "Get Him Back."
However, his love for the song stemmed from his desire to settle the score with Rodrigo's ex. When his mother questioned his motives for getting back at the singer's former beau, Billy declared he wished to "Punch him in the p-nis."