Ty Pennington, the beloved host of HGTV’s “Rock the Block” and former star of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” is on the road to recovery after undergoing emergency surgery in July 2023. The 59-year-old TV personality recently spoke with “Entertainment Tonight” about his health scare and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support he received during his hospitalization.
In the interview, Pennington reassured fans that he is feeling “great” and joked about the attention he received after almost facing a life-threatening situation. “You know what’s great is if you almost die, you get so much attention. It feels so nice to be that loved,” he shared with a lighthearted tone.
The reality show host revealed that he had been suffering from a severe sore throat for nearly a month before seeking medical help. However, it wasn’t until after attending the premiere of the “Barbie” movie that Pennington decided to drive himself to the hospital at 4 a.m. in search of relief. He hoped to receive a steroid to alleviate the pain but was met with a shocking revelation from the doctor.
“I had this abscess in my throat, and I woke up. I couldn’t breathe,” Pennington recalled. “I drove down the mountain to the hospital, and I’m just like, ‘Hey, can you give me a steroid to help shrink the swelling?’ And [the doctor] goes, ‘What if it’s more than that? What if you close up and can’t breathe?'”
Realizing the severity of his condition, Pennington was flown to the ICU in Denver and underwent surgery to address the abscess. He shared an Instagram post featuring him hooked up to several machines, explaining that the abscess had grown so large that it was closing off his airway. However, he expressed gratitude to the medical staff at St. Anthony’s in Lakewood, CO, and Summit Health in Frisco for their exceptional care.
The health scare served as a wake-up call for Pennington, prompting him to reflect on the unpredictability of life. “It made me realize you just don’t know when your timecard’s gonna get pulled. So wake up, live every single day to the fullest,” he emphasized. The experience has also inspired him to make the most of his upcoming 60s, ensuring that he leaves a lasting impact through his work.
Despite the recent ordeal, Pennington has returned to his hosting duties on HGTV and appeared on the Season 5 premiere of “Rock the Block.” His resilience and positive attitude serve as an inspiration to fans and colleagues alike.
Ty Pennington’s recovery serves as a reminder to prioritize our health and listen to our bodies. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of cherishing each day. As Pennington continues to make a mark in the world of home improvement and television, his journey reminds us all to live life to the fullest and leave a lasting legacy.