Ty Pennington Reflects on His 'Humorous' Brush with Death: Embracing the Spotlight

Ty Pennington Jokes Its Really Great to Almost Die Because He Got So Much Attention

Ty Pennington Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Ty Pennington is feeling grateful after going through a health scare last year. He is now doing well after undergoing surgery to remove an abscess from the back of his throat in the summer.

"It's funny how much attention you get when you almost die. It's nice to feel that loved," he joked in an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Monday, March 4. "I'm just kidding about planning another one though!"

He shared the story of waking up one morning in July 2023 and struggling to breathe. He rushed to the hospital, hoping for steroids to help with the swelling in his throat.

Pennington recalled the doctor expressing concern, suggesting that the issue might be more serious than initially thought. The doctor mentioned the possibility of difficulty breathing if the throat closed up, leading to the decision to fly Pennington to Denver for treatment. It was a dramatic moment for Pennington, who woke up post-surgery with a tube in his throat.

In July 2023, Pennington posted photos of himself in the hospital on Instagram. He mentioned that the surgery took place just two days after he had attended the Los Angeles premiere of Barbie.

"From walking the red carpet to ending up in the ICU, this past week has been quite eventful," he shared in the caption. "It turns out, the sore throat I've been dealing with for the past month was actually an abscess that had grown so large it was obstructing my airway. This experience serves as a great reminder to always listen to your body when it's trying to tell you something #gratefultobehere."

Pennington mentioned to ET on Monday that this frightening ordeal has definitely shifted his perspective on life.

"It made me realize that you never know when your time is up, so it's important to wake up and make the most of each day," he said. "That's why I believe the 60s is the perfect time to start doing everything."

Pennington also mentioned that this realization has deepened his gratitude for projects like hosting the HGTV show Rock the Block, which he started in 2021.

He expressed his excitement for the competition series where HGTV renovation stars compete to increase the value of identical properties. This season is expected to be the best yet, with participants driven by pride and the desire to prove themselves as winners. The intense competition promises to showcase passionate design and determination from all four teams.

Aside from his professional success, Pennington also cherishes the love in his personal life. Recently, he took to Instagram to wish his wife Kellee Merrell a happy Valentine's Day, celebrating their marriage in 2021.

“Happy love day to the only person I’d ever go to Disney for ️,” he captioned a photo of the pair screaming on a roller coaster.

Rock the Block airs on HGTV Mondays at 9 p.m. ET.

Editor's P/S:

Ty Pennington's health scare serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. His ordeal not only humbled him but also inspired him to embrace life with renewed vigor. He now appreciates the simple joys and the preciousness of time, recognizing that every day is an opportunity to make a difference.

Pennington's journey also highlights the profound impact of support and love during challenging times. From the concern of his doctor to the outpouring of affection from his fans, he felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for those who rallied around him. This experience has taught him the true meaning of human connection and the healing power of shared vulnerability.