Jimmy Kimmel Tearily Introduces Son to ‘Live!’ Audience After Heart Surgery
It wasn't Jimmy Kimmel's typical cutting sarcasm or a celebrity guest that gripped viewers on last night's (December 11) episode — it was the introduction of Kimmel's son, Baby Billy, whose health has frequently left Kimmel in tears on the show.
Baby Billy, who was born in April, had to immediately confront a serious heart condition that required a number of surgeries. Thankfully, Kimmel's insurance covered the procedures, but he famously lamented that — thanks to policies set forth by the Trump administration — there are families who can't, or likely soon will not, be able to afford the same care.
Still, last night was all about the good vibes, and as Kimmel introduced his son to audiences, he began to cry.
"I was out last week – because this guy had heart surgery. But look he’s fine everybody, he may have pooped but he’s fine," he said. "Daddy cries on TV but Billy doesn't."
Kimmel continued by noting he's grateful for the medical professionals who saved his son's life, and pleaded for elected officials to grant every child the same right.
"I want to thank the very bright and talented doctors and nurses...who treated Billy, and not just Billy, but many kids with so much caring and compassion," he said. "Children from every income level whose health is especially threatened right now."
Kimmel went on to explain how CHIP (The Children’s Health Insurance Program) — which covers nine-million American kids — is set for expiration because the Republican-controlled House is letting it fall to the wayside to ensure a new tax plan goes through.
"Parents of children with cancer and diabetes and heart problems are about to get letters saying their coverage could be cut off next month — Merry Christmas, right?" he said. "This is literally a life and death program for kids...This is not a hypothetical. I don't know about you, but I've had enough of this. I don't know what could be more disgusting than putting a tax cut that mostly goes to rich people ahead of the lives of children."
Watch the emotional clip above.
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