Rachael Ray, the well-known chef and TV personality who has brightened screens for years, has finally addressed the growing concerns about her health. For weeks, fans have been anxious after a video appeared on her Instagram in early September where she seemed to slur her speech, and one side of her face looked slightly droopy. The clip sparked extensive online worry, with many fearing something serious had happened.
After remaining quiet while the rumors spread, Rachael opened up in the very first episode of her new podcast, I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead. There, she spoke honestly about the physical challenges she has been facing — obstacles that have forced her to slow down, which she admits is extremely difficult for someone like her.
“I’ve had some rough falls recently,” she revealed, her voice tired but steady. “Minor injuries here and there. I’m constantly moving, always doing something around the house. I love being active — it keeps me sane.”
Rachael has always turned to hands-on tasks for comfort. Even when she isn’t filming, she’s in the kitchen cooking, organizing, writing recipes, or working outdoors. She joked that she and her husband, John Cusimano, compete over who can carry more firewood. But, she admitted, the nonstop pace is catching up to her. “I can’t pretend I’m still in my twenties,” she added with a small laugh.
The energetic host has built her life around hard work — from 30 Minute Meals to her long-running talk show, bestselling cookbooks, and a full lifestyle brand. Fans love her authentic charm, so when the viral video emerged, social media exploded with comments like “Rachael, are you okay?” and “This looks like a stroke, get help!”
“I think everyone was scared,” one fan commented. “She didn’t seem herself.”
Although Rachael didn’t specifically mention the video, she explained that she is in a recovery phase. “There’s nothing life-threatening going on,” she reassured. “But enough to make me rethink how I’ve been living.”
Years of nonstop work and stress have taken a toll. So now she’s reminding herself that rest is not a weakness. “Even when I’m on the couch, I’m planning the next project. But I’m learning that slowing down can be good too.”
Rachael and John have shared many struggles over the past few years, including losing their home to a devastating fire in 2020. Their move to upstate New York gave them outdoor peace and a fresh start. It also gave Rachael plenty of opportunities for the manual work she enjoys — but she now sees that passion sometimes leads her to overdo it.
Close friends have confirmed she’s taking her health seriously this time. Physical therapy, plenty of rest, and more intentional self-care have become part of her routine.
Her fans are supporting her in return. Many have left heartfelt messages like, “Take your time healing, we’ll always be here,” and “Even superheroes need a rest.”
Rachael has never shied away from sharing her vulnerable moments, and this time, her message carried even more weight. For years she encouraged others to eat well, find joy, and take care of themselves — now she’s working on living by that message too.
“Life has a funny way of reminding you what matters,” she said. “I’ve spent so long trying to do everything, and now I’m learning that sometimes doing less is healthier.”
For now, she’s focusing on writing, her podcast, and spending time at home with John and their beloved dog, Bella. She hasn’t confirmed her return to television yet, but she made it clear she isn’t going anywhere.
“I’m alright,” she promised. “Everyone faces setbacks. It’s how we move forward that defines us. And I’m moving forward.”
Her supporters couldn’t be happier to hear it. Rachael Ray has always represented positivity, hard work, and resilience. This chapter simply proves that even the brightest lights need to recharge.
If anything, she sees this as a restart, not a retreat.
“I’ve fallen down before,” she said softly. “And every time, I’ve gotten right back up. I still will.”