Listen, we all know Jimmy Kimmel as the quick-witted late-night host, but beneath that humor lies a deeply personal journey with his son Billy. Born with a complex heart condition called "tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia," Billy has endured multiple open-heart surgeries. The most recent one was just in May, and through it all, Jimmy and his wife Molly McNearney remain incredibly grateful to the medical team who have helped keep Billy alive and thriving.
Billy: Jimmy’s Miracle Child
“Jimmy calls Billy his miracle child,” a source exclusively told Closer. The couple is eternally thankful for the incredible doctors and nurses who’ve saved their son’s life. Jimmy isn’t shy about showing his appreciation—he’s always eager to support charities that assist sick kids and those in need of medical care. This isn’t just about giving back; it’s about paying forward the kindness and expertise they’ve received firsthand.
Raising Funds for a Great Cause
On October 5, Jimmy and Molly, along with their 10-year-old daughter Jane, attended the L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade charity event in Westwood, California. This event raises money for childhood cancer research, and Jimmy is all in. “It’s a lot of fun,” he admits. “To have so many amazing chefs come together to do something truly special—it’s not just about cooking. They’re making real progress and helping families and kids battling cancer.” Having walked a mile in these families’ shoes, Jimmy knows there’s nothing more important than supporting them.
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A Heartwarming Update from Jimmy
In May, Jimmy gave fans an uplifting update via Instagram after Billy’s latest procedure. In the post, he shared a photo of Billy lying in a hospital bed, flashing a bright, toothy grin. It was a powerful reminder of Billy’s resilience and the incredible medical team behind him. Jimmy wrote, “This weekend, our boy Billy had his third (and hopefully last) open-heart surgery. Going into it, we were filled with both optimism and fear, but we came out with a happy, healthy kid and a brand-new valve inside him.”
Jimmy went on to thank the brilliant surgeon Dr. Vaughn Starnes, cardiologist Dr. Tim Casarez, and the entire team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “Once again, Billy’s doctors and the incredible staff, including Misty, Ann, Sylvia, Dana, Caleigh, Nick, Bekah, Julie, Kenny, Caroline, Lisa, Stephanie, Ellize, Ivy, Pam, and Carrie, came through for us with immeasurable kindness and expertise,” Jimmy wrote. It’s clear that the support and care Billy received meant the world to the Kimmel family.
The Emotional Journey Continues
A month later, another source told Closer how blessed Jimmy felt that Billy had successfully undergone his third open-heart surgery. “Billy’s heart defect has been a nightmare for Jimmy,” the insider revealed. “They know life is precious, and all that matters is that Billy is okay.” The source added, “Jimmy and Molly feel incredibly lucky to have such amazing doctors and nurses by their side. He’s seen firsthand how crucial quality healthcare is.”
From day one, Jimmy has been open and honest about Billy’s health battles. Back in April 2017, during one of his monologues on Jimmy Kimmel Live, he shared the emotional story of Billy’s birth. After just six pushes, Molly delivered Billy, but the joy quickly turned to worry when a nurse noticed a heart murmur and Billy’s skin turning purple. Tests confirmed the newborn had pulmonary atresia. Jimmy, visibly emotional, shared photos of Billy connected to tubes in the hospital, contrasting it with a picture of the smiling baby the day before. It was a raw, heartfelt moment that resonated with viewers everywhere.
