Jimmy Kimmel’s Wife Molly McNearney Explains Why They Revealed Their Son’s Condition

Jimmy Kimmel’s wife, Molly McNearney, is finally opening up about their son Billy’s heart condition. The “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” co-head writer also explained why they decided to share Billy’s story to the rest of the world.

While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, McNearney revealed that it was her husband’s idea to talk about their son in an episode of his talk show. McNearney agreed, but she had no idea what Kimmel would say and how he would address their son’s condition.

To her surprise, Kimmel connected Billy’s heart problem to the current issues in the health care system in the country. His monologue has already been viewed 11 million times since May.

McNearney became emotional when she heard her husband talk about the problems in the country, but she was delighted when a lot of people were moved by Kimmel’s story. Following his opening spiel, there was a huge talk about what the people needed in terms of health care benefits.

“He didn’t have to do that. Our family has excellent health care; he had nothing to gain from that. He did it for the people whom we met in that hospital,” she said.

Meanwhile, even though McNearney and Kimmel received positive and encouraging messages from people who were touched by their story, there were also a few that said negative things about what they did.

“People were sending letters to our home, attacking both of us on Twitter, saying things like we deserve this and we’re terrible people. Nine out of 10 replies are positive, but that one nasty one will shake me,” she said.

McNearney admitted that she doesn’t like the fact that a lot of people now know that Billy has a heart condition. But if she will be given the opportunity to have a healthy baby boy or stick with their son, she will still choose Billy because they believe that he has helped a lot of families.

The 7-month-old just underwent his second open heart surgery a few days ago, and it was successful, according to CNN. Kimmel won’t be hosting his show until Friday to tend to their son.