Mary Lou Retton became a household name in her younger years when she won the hearts of the nation during the 1984 Olympics. During the games, she became the first American to win a gold medal in an individual all-around event. Now, Retton’s family is giving a devastating health update about the former athlete.
Mary Lou Retton health update: Gymnast fighting for her life in ICU
This week, Mary Lou Retton’s daughter, McKenna Kelley took to Instagram to share the devastating news that her mother has been hospitalized. Kelley told fans that Retton is suffering from a very serious pneumonia, and things have gotten so bad that the gymnast is now fighting for her life. Kelly also shared the link for a funding page and asked fans for donations to help pay Retton’s medical bills.
“My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life,” she wrote on the fundraising page (via People). “She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured,” Kelley stated. “We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill,” she continued.
What has Mary Lou Retton done since retiring from gymnastics?
After Mary Lou Retton’s gymnastics career ended, the athlete continued to stay in the spotlight. Retton used her celebrity to make cameos in fan favorite TV shows like “Baywatch,” “Glee,” and “Knot’s Landing.” She also had a role in the comedy film “Naked Gun 33+1/3.” She later went on to appear on Season 27 of “Dancing With The Stars.” During her time on the show, she brought her infectious smile and energy to the ballroom. Before her, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles tackled “DWTS.”
Retton also welcomed four daughters with her ex-husband, Shannon Kelley. The couple share Shayla, Skyla, Emma, and McKenna. In 1997 the athlete was honored in a huge way when she was inducted into the Gymnastics Hall of Fame. A street in Retton’s hometown in Fairview, West Virginia, was named after the American sweetheart to commemorate her amazing Olympic moment.
Fans are now sending all of their well wishes to Mary Lou Retton as they remember her life and legacy in the wake of her heartbreaking health update. In addition, donations to the athlete’s fundraiser are appreciated by the family.
Image Credits: YouTube, YouTube.
Trevor Joseph