Mary Lou Retton is speaking publicly about the financial fallout following her hospitalization for a rare form of pneumonia last fall.
In an interview with Hoda Kotb na Today show on Monday, the beloved former gymnast explained that she “couldn’t afford” insurance before her weeks-long hospital stay in intensive care — and that’s why her daughters started a fundraising campaign on her behalf.
“When COVID came and after my divorce, and all the previous ones — I had over 30 surgeries for orthopedic things — I couldn’t afford it,” said Retton, 55. “I couldn’t afford it. But who would have known that this would happen to me? That’s the bottom line, I couldn’t afford it.”
Kotb then wondered how it was that “America’s Sweetheart,” the 1984 Olympic gold medalist who won the hearts of a global audience — and later a slew of product endorsements — didn’t have insurance.
Today’s show/X
Mary Lou Retton talks about recovering from a rare form of pneumonia that landed her in intensive care: ‘I’m a fighter’
“It shows you that a lot of people are similar in so many ways,” Kotb said.
“Oh, yes, yes,” agreed Retton. “Life goes on, things happen, and I just couldn’t do it.”
The mother of four daughters — McKenna, Skyla and Emma Kelley and Shayla Schrepfer — then added of her newly insured status, “Now I’m ready.”
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In October, McKenna first shared the news of her mom’s health in a post on her Instagram Story, which included a link to a fundraising page on Spotfund.
“My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life,” McKenna wrote in a message on the fundraising page at the time. “She can’t breathe on her own. She’s been in intensive care for over a week. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I won’t reveal all the details. But I will reveal that she’s uninsured.”
Daughter Mary Lou Retton shares pictures from hospital as she reflects on ‘toughest year’
On Today during Monday’s interview, Shayla sat with her mom and gave more insight into their need for financial help during Retton’s health battle.
“We were just thinking, if he gets away with it, the last thing we want him to have to think about is paying these bills or anything like that,” Shayla, 28, said.
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Eric McCandless via Getty
As support for the Olympic icon grew, the campaign resonated with fans and followers around the world, ultimately raising more than $459,000. The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee also pledged its support at the time.
In an interview with USA Today which was released over the weekend, McKenna explained more about the impetus behind the fundraiser – and that the family was “overwhelmed” by its success.
“I don’t know if it was ignorance on our part or if it was just cute,” said McKenna, 26. “This wasn’t meant to be a big media thing. … We didn’t even think about what this would turn into. Simply, four daughters who felt helpless wanted to help their mom who knew it would help take the burden off.”
After all of Retton’s medical bills were paid, McKenna said USA Today that “any remaining funds” will be donated to a charity of her mother’s choice, but the two declined to say how much money was spent or what amount would be donated.
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Source: HIS Education