LOS ANGELES – Jimmy Kimmel is scheduled to return to host his late-night talk show on Tuesday, a week after he abruptly canceled tapings to be with his young son, Billy, who underwent a second heart surgery.
The host shared the news with his audience on social media, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support while revealing the frightening reason for his absence. “This morning, our boy Billy had his second (and hopefully final) open-heart surgery,” Kimmel wrote. “We went in at 7am and came out at 2pm. He is doing great. Thank you to the incredible nurses and doctors at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.”
Kimmel and his wife, Molly McNearney, have been open about Billy’s health journey since he was born in 2017 with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. The condition required immediate surgery shortly after his birth.
The ABC star’s personal experience with his son’s health battles has profoundly influenced his public life, turning him into a vocal advocate for universal healthcare. He has used his platform on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to deliver emotional monologues pleading for bipartisan support for healthcare protections, particularly for children with pre-existing conditions.
The show’s production team announced the cancellation of last week’s episodes, which were set to feature guests like Bryan Cranston and Hugh Laurie, to allow Kimmel to focus entirely on his family. The scheduled guests for his return episode were not immediately announced.
Kimmel concluded his message with a positive update, writing that Billy was “beautifully and perfectly himself,” and asking for support for the families and medical professionals at children’s hospitals everywhere.
His return is expected to be an emotional one, likely addressing the recent events and the ongoing resilience of his son. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET on ABC.
