Cory Wharton, a familiar face from MTV, has recently opened up about the significant changes in his family life and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Wharton discussed his partnership with Quest Nutrition and shared insights on how their Stacks Protein Bar has simplified his busy mornings.
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At 35 years old, Wharton is a father to three daughters: Ryder, 9, Mila, 6, and his youngest, Maya, who has recently returned home after an 18-day hospital stay due to complications related to her congenital heart defect, tricuspid atresia. The condition, which affects the development of the heart’s tricuspid valve, has required surgery and careful medical management since Maya’s birth in June 2022.
Speaking candidly about the experience, Wharton expressed immense relief at having Maya back at home, stating, “To have my daughter at home and have her healing and smiling and being her goofy self, it’s everything.” He acknowledges that both he and his partner, Taylor Selfridge, bear the emotional weight of their daughter’s previous health challenges, particularly given Maya’s tender age.
Reflecting on the hospital experience, Wharton remarked on the helplessness many parents feel in such situations. “I just remember the days of being in that hospital and watching Maya, and just all she wanted to do was go outside,” he shared. This perspective has shifted his view on life dramatically, leading him to value health above all else. “My biggest takeaway is that health is wealth,” he stated. “If you’re healthy, you are the richest person in the world.”
Maya’s recent health scare has not only influenced Wharton as a father but has also shifted his understanding of what is truly important. He shared that this experience brought him closer to Selfridge, reinforcing their commitment to each other and their family. “We had to take a step back from the public eye,” he explained. “We’ve been together for eight years, and to finally have those conversations that we were avoiding for so long, it’s nice to be on the same page.”
The couple’s reconciliatory process highlighted their mutual desire to work on their relationship, especially following the stress of Maya’s hospitalisation. “Having our daughter in the hospital made us realise how much we want to make this work,” he added. Wharton emphasised the importance of focusing on the positives, stating, “All the little stuff that people are stressing out about nowadays, we try to push that to the side and just be thankful that we’re breathing and we’re alive.”
As the family adjusts back to their normal routine, they are embracing the early morning chaos that comes with getting the older girls off to school. Wharton described the morning routine as a whirlwind of activity, which he manages with the help of Quest Nutrition’s products. “If you want chaos, come to the Wharton household in the mornings,” he quipped. “Quest keeps it easy for me to stay on top of my protein, grab my Stacks Protein Bar while I’m rushing around.”
Once the girls are settled in school, however, Wharton and Selfridge enjoy calmer moments with little Maya. “It’s calm. Taylor and I get to just relax,” he said, expressing how much he cherishes these quieter times with his family.
Looking ahead, Wharton is excited to launch an Instagram Reels series titled “Unfiltered Fatherhood.” The project aims to share his experiences as a father and the realities of co-parenting in brief, engaging videos. “It’s almost like me writing a book, but I’m doing it in short two-minute videos for people,” he explained. The series will include fun challenges with his girls, blending elements from both “The Challenge” and “Teen Mom” into an entertaining format that he hopes will resonate with audiences.
As Cory Wharton navigates the complexities of parenting, health, and relationships, he remains grateful for every moment with his family, striving to be the best father and partner he can be.