Tori Kelly, the Grammy-winning singer, has expressed her gratitude for her current good health as she gears up for the release of her latest album, *God Must Really Love Me*. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the athlete reflected on a life-threatening medical episode from her past year, revealing how it has transformed her outlook on life.
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The 33-year-old artist, who welcomed her first child, Zayden Michael, with her husband, André Murillo, in November 2025, shared her contrasting experiences between now and previous years. During the tumultuous summer of 2023, she faced a significant health crisis when she fainted while out dining in Los Angeles. The alarming incident led to her hospitalisation, where doctors discovered blood clots in her lungs and legs. This medical emergency arose just before she was set to commence her tour, a commitment that she persevered with following a swift recovery.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Kelly told PEOPLE, “Being hospitalised was such a crazy experience to go through,” emphasising the shocking nature of the event that reshaped her understanding of life’s frailty. She revealed that while she was in a state of confusion, asking herself, “Why am I here? What’s happening?”, she was aware of the gravity of the situation, even if she did not fully grasp its intensity at the time.
Her sentiments were particularly poignant as she considered the impact on her loved ones. Kelly stated, “I always feel really bad for my husband and what he went through. That’s just so scary.” With a sense of remorse, she acknowledged the emotional toll her health crisis took on Murillo, who must have felt helpless in the face of her sudden decline in health.
Moving forward, Kelly remains vigilant about her health, engaging in preventative measures to ensure her well-being. More than two years later, she continues to monitor her condition closely, scheduling regular check-ups and taking prescribed blood thinners. “It’s preventative, just to make sure nothing happens,” she explained, demonstrating her commitment to prioritising her health.
During her pregnancy with Zayden, medical professionals advised her to maintain the blood thinner regimen through injections—an aspect of her motherhood journey she found particularly challenging. “That was probably the hardest part, honestly, of the pregnancy,” she confessed. “I really loved being pregnant, but having to give myself a shot twice a day, I was like, ‘Yeah, it’s not really that fun.'”
Kelly’s experiences have significantly influenced her new album, the majority of which she created inspired by her transition into motherhood. She described the overwhelming sense of creativity that accompanied this life change, stating, “I was just so overwhelmed with inspiration. I’ve never felt anything like that before.” The new music features Zayden prominently; he is the first voice listeners hear on the record and the last to echo out. In a uniquely touching gesture, Kelly included audio from her son’s birth in the heartfelt track “Too Much”, allowing her to encapsulate a profoundly personal moment in time.
For fans eager to learn more about Tori Kelly’s remarkable journey, her latest insights are available in the current issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now. As she continues to embrace her dual roles as a mother and musician, Kelly’s story is not only one of triumph over adversity but also a testament to the beauty of new beginnings.