Mary Lou Retton was almost “on life support” during the hospital stay
Mary Lou Retton chronicles her ongoing recovery after being hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia.
“I’m very private and come out and talk about it [is difficult],” Retton, 55, said Hoda Kotb in a Sunday, January 7, teaser for a Today show interview, confirming she is in a “vulnerable” condition. “This is serious and this is life and I’m so grateful to be here.”
She continued, “I’m blessed to be here because there was a time when they were about to put me on life support.”
Retton also noted that she is currently on “oxygen” after Kotb, 59, pointed out the retired gymnast’s breathing apparatus.
Retton was hospitalized with her daughter in October 2023 McKenna Lane Kelley In a statement on social media, she noted that she was “fighting for her life.” (Retton shares daughters Shayla28, McKenna, 26, Skyla23, and Emma21, with ex-husband Shannon Kelley.)
“My amazing mother, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life,” McKenna wrote via SpotFund. “She can’t breathe on her own. She has been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not make all the details public. However, I will disclose that she is not insured.”
Mary Lou Retton
David Livingston/Getty ImagesMcKenna added at the time: “We ask that if you can help in any way, that you 1) PRAY! and 2) whether you can help us finance the hospital bill. EVERYTHING, absolutely everything, would be so helpful to my family and my mother. Thank you very much!”
Retton was released from the hospital a few weeks later and began her long recovery journey.
Making it to the Olympic Games is an achievement that countless athletes dream of their entire lives. After years of blood, sweat and tears, participation in the most prestigious athletics event in the world is a unique moment. Some athletes compete once in the Olympics and hang up their hats, retiring gracefully. […]
“Mom is HOME and in recovery mode,” McKenna wrote via Instagram later that October. “We still have a long road of recovery ahead of us, but it is small steps. We are overwhelmed by the love and support from everyone. Grateful does not scratch the surface of our heart’s attitude. Thank you Jesus, thank you doctors and nurses, thank you to this loving community of support.”
Retton broke her silence on the ordeal several days later.
“I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to make this statement,” the gold medalist wrote through her Instagram. “I am overwhelmed by the love and support of the world as I fight. I am forever grateful to all of you! I am slowly recovering together with my family and remain very positive, because I know that this recovery is a long and slow process.”
Retton’s full interview with Kotb will air on Monday, January 8.