Jimmy Kimmel shares update on son's third heart surgery: "Billy, you are the toughest 7-year-old we know"

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel recently revealed that his young son, Billy, underwent his third open heart surgery over Memorial Day Weekend. Kimmel took to Instagram to share the news, expressing a mix of optimism and fear going into the surgery, but relief and gratitude afterwards.


“This weekend, our boy Billy had his third (of three, we hope) open heart surgery,” Kimmel wrote. “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 praised the medical team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) for their exceptional care. He described the experience of meeting other parents and children at the hospital, calling it a humbling experience. He also highlighted the hospital’s dedication to helping families, regardless of their ability to pay, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, generous donations from companies like Disney, and individual contributions.

“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 wrote. “We hope you never need CHLA, but if you do – know that they help families regardless of their ability to pay, thanks largely to the Affordable Care Act (another salute to the late Senator John McCain), generous donations from companies like Disney, which I am proud to work for and especially from generous people like you.”


Kimmel also expressed gratitude to the strangers who sent prayers and positive energy for Billy. He thanked his wife Molly for her incredible strength, acknowledging the challenges she faced throughout their son's medical 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,” he added. “There are so many parents and children who aren’t fortunate enough to go home after five days.”

Kimmel’s heartfelt message not only updated fans on Billy’s condition but also highlighted the importance of medical support and community during challenging times.