Ray J is speaking candidly about a frightening health scare that nearly cost him his life.
The “Sexy Can I” singer revealed that he was recently hospitalized for pneumonia, sharing a deeply emotional update with fans on Instagram on January 25. In the video, the 45-year-old artist did not hold back about the seriousness of his condition.
“My heart’s only beating 25 percent,” Ray J said. “But as long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, everything will be all right. My health is not OK, so I thank everybody for supporting and praying for me through everything I’ve been in the hospital.”
In the caption accompanying the video, Ray J underscored just how close he came to tragedy, writing, “Just almost died!! I’m alive because of your prayers.”
Gratitude for Family, Friends, and Unexpected Support
Ray J went on to thank several people who stood by him during his hospital stay, including his older sister Brandy, as well as Love Cabin castmate Shila Hasanoff.
“There’s a few people that’s helped me kind of survive this,” he said. “I love you, Sheila.”
He added that Hasanoff was by his side throughout the ordeal, saying she was “sitting in the hospital, just watching me be sick.” The singer’s message struck a chord with fans, many of whom flooded the comments with prayers and well wishes.
Not His First Battle With Pneumonia
This isn’t the first time Ray J has faced pneumonia. Back in 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was also hospitalized for the lung infection. At the time, he shared that despite testing negative for COVID-19, he was placed in a hospital wing with coronavirus patients.
“I thought it was over,” he told TMZ. “I started praying and knew God is good, so I just kept praying.”
That experience, combined with his most recent health crisis, has clearly left a lasting impact on the singer.
Personal Life Changes Amid Health Struggles
Ray J’s health update comes amid major changes in his personal life. In 2024, he and Princess Love announced their latest separation after a previous divorce filing was dismissed by the court. The couple’s relationship has been marked by multiple breakups and reconciliations over the years.
In a statement shared with People, Princess said the decision was made after “much reflection, discussion, and counseling.”
“While our relationship as spouses may be coming to an end, we remain committed to co-parenting our children and maintaining a positive and supportive family dynamic,” she said.
Celebrities Speaking Out About Health Scares
Ray J joins a growing list of celebrities opening up about serious health challenges.
Nikki Garcia, formerly of Total Bellas, revealed in 2025 that one of her breast implants shifted after a wrestling injury during a WWE match. Despite the scare, she reassured fans that the issue would be addressed in the future.
Meanwhile, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o disclosed in 2025 that she had been living with uterine fibroids since 2014. Sharing her story on Instagram, the actress said she had been “suffering in silence” for more than a decade.
“When we reach puberty, we’re taught periods mean pain,” Nyong’o wrote. “We’re struggling alone with something that affects us most.”
A Sobering Reminder
Ray J’s emotional update serves as a powerful reminder that health crises can strike without warning. As he continues to recover, fans and fellow celebrities alike are rallying around him, hopeful that he can regain his strength and stability in the days ahead.
