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NEED TO KNOW
In January 2026, Ray J was hospitalized for heart issues and pneumonia, an infection he also had in 2021
He attributed his heart condition to substance and alcohol abuse
The "One Wish" singer gave fans varying accounts of his prognosis, saying he'd be okay in one video and claiming he had months to live in another
Ray Jrecently alarmed fans when he shared anupdate on his health.
"2027 is definitely a wrap for me," the R&B singer said in a January 2026 Instagram Live, which was reposted onX, following reports fromTMZthat he had been hospitalized in Las Vegas with heart issues and pneumonia. "My health is not okay."
Though he claimed in his livestream that his doctors had said he had months to live, Ray J (né William Raymond Norwood Jr.) said in anInstagram videoposted Jan. 25 that "everything will be all right" if he stays "on the right path."
Days later, theLove & Hip Hopstar toldTMZthat he was bedridden, prescribed eight different drugs and may have to get a pacemaker or defibrillator.
So, what's going on with Ray J's health? Here's everything the singer has said about his condition and prognosis.
Ray J had a severe case of pneumonia in 2021
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This isn't the first time Ray J has dealt with a severe lung infection. In October 2021, he was hospitalized with non-contagious pneumonia while in Miami. His longtime manager, David Weintraub, told PEOPLE that the musician "overworked" himself and would be home in a couple of days.
Though his hospitalization was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ray J continued to test negative for the disease.
"I appreciate all the love and support from everybody," he said in a message to fans through his manager. "Thank you for keeping me in your prayers, and I will be back up and running soon."
He was hospitalized for pneumonia and heart issues in 2026
Ray J/Instagram
On Jan. 6, the "Sexy Can I" singer was admitted to a Las Vegas hospital with heart pains and a severe case of pneumonia, TMZ reported. Though it's unclear how long Ray J received treatment, he shared an Instagram video weeks later that appeared to show him out of the hospital.
While hospitalized, TMZ reported that Ray J underwent X-rays and an echocardiogram.
"I want to thank everybody for praying for me," the musician said in the video shared on Jan. 25. "I was in a hospital. My heart's only beating like 25% ... My health is not okay, so I thank everybody for supporting and praying for me.
Ray J attributed his heart issues to substance abuse
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During Ray J's Instagram Live video, he told viewers that the right side of his heart had turned "black" due to excessive alcohol and substance abuse.
"I f---ed up," he explained. "You know why? ... Because I think I thought I had more weight. I thought I was a big [shot], so I could handle all the alcohol. I could handle all the Adderall. I could handle all the drugs, but I couldn't. And it curbed my time here."
The reality TV star claimed that he was drinking "four or five bottles a day" and taking "10 Addies" at the height of his usage.
"I'm like, 'Ain't nothing happening to me? F--- it. I'm indestructible,' " Ray J said. "Joke's on me. Take care of yourselves, y'all."
He claimed doctors told him he had months to live
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The R&B singer also claimed that doctors told him he only had months to live in his livestream, a prognosis he corroborated to TMZ on Jan. 29.
Ray J told the outlet that doctors didn't know how long he had to live and started him on an intense medication protocol. He claimed he was prescribed eight kinds of medication and could be given a pacemaker or a defibrillator.
In addition to resting, the singer was also told not to drink or smoke.
Ray J said he will be okay if he stays "on the right path"
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Though his health updates have been grim, Ray J hasn't given up hope. In his Instagram Live and to TMZ, he mentioned going to Haiti, claiming that his research has led him to believe that the country holds the cure for heart diseases.
In his Instagram video, he told his fans, "As long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, everything will be all right."
Read the original article onPeople
