Jimmy Kimmel might be leaving his late-night talk show soon. This news comes from inside sources who say that Kimmel is making a decision soon regarding his future. The reason he might choose to leave is the sad health crisis of his seven-year-old son Billy.
Here is what you need to know about Kimmel, his son, and his future on television.
Jimmy Kimmel Might Leave Talk Show For His Son
The news indicates that Jimmy Kimmel might be leaving his popular late-night talk show to spend more time with his son, Billy. His son has developed a devastating health crisis, and Jimmy is deciding that family time is more important than remaining a television star.
“Jimmy and his wife are putting family above fame,” the source said (via Radar Online). They mentioned that Jimmy’s contract expires in 2025, and he might leave and not return to his show. “With their financial future set, they’re ready to leave the limelight to focus on what really matters,” the source continued. “Jimmy’s contract is up in 2025, and he has no plans to sign on again.”
This decision comes after Billy had to have his third open-heart surgery to correct a congenital heart defect at just seven years old. Jimmy’s wife, Molly McNearney, is a co-head writer for his show, but the source said both of them would leave the series if it meant spending more time with their son.
“Life’s too short to waste on a job that no longer sparks joy,” the insider finished.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Publicist Denies The Rumors
While this all makes sense, Radar Online also spoke with Jimmy Kimmel’s publicist, who denied that this was set in stone. The publicist said it was “silly” to assume Jimmy was discussing his contract with anyone after his son’s recent surgery.
However, another insider said this was a real possibility. They said that Jimmy and his wife would consider “producing and developing shows behind the scenes.” However, their main focus in life is on spending it with Billy.
Kimmel previously told the audience about Billy’s health problems. When he was born, he had heart disease called “tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia. Basically, the pulmonary valve was completely blocked, and he has a hole in the wall between the left and right sides of his heart.”
Jimmy said that they hoped to have a non-invasive procedure in his early teens to replace the valve he has now. This was in 2017, and Jimmy mentioned that the third surgery had come now instead of later.
What are your thoughts on Jimmy Kimmel leaving late-night television after his contract ends? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Shawn S. Lealos has been a freelance writer for over 25 years and is a voting member of the Oklahoma Film Critics Circle. He is also a published author with a book about the Stephen King Dollar Baby Filmmakers.
