In a candid new episode of her podcast “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead,” celebrated chef and television personality Rachael Ray provided an update on her health after fans expressed concern regarding her well-being. The 56-year-old culinary icon revealed she has suffered “a couple of bad falls” recently, sparking worries among her devoted followers about her health.
Ray, known for her vibrant personality and love of cooking, didn’t delve too deeply into the specifics of her falls during the podcast episode featuring actress Jenny Mollen. However, she reassured listeners that she is still committed to her beloved chores and physical activities. “I’m a homemaker. I love chores. I love being in the kitchen,” Ray stated, emphasizing her passion for the everyday tasks that many might overlook. “I like making dinner, planning dinners, making lists. I love physical labor, helping carry in the wood.”
Despite her enthusiasm for physical tasks, Ray acknowledged that her recent falls have limited her ability to engage in these activities. “I’ve had a couple of bad falls in the last couple of weeks, so I haven’t been doing that in a while,” she shared, reminding fans of her resilience and commitment to staying active, even amidst challenges.
In a light-hearted moment, Ray described her friendly competition with her husband, John Cusimano, as they tackle physical tasks around the home. “How many pieces of wood did John carry? Can I carry more?” she mused, illustrating the playful dynamics of their relationship. While she doesn’t vocalize this rivalry to her husband, it showcases her competitive spirit and dedication to maintaining her strength.
The concern for Ray’s health first emerged earlier in September when she appeared to slur her words during a cooking video from her “Rachael Ray in Tuscany” series. While preparing Tony Bennett’s favorite dish, ossobuco, she reminisced about a dinner with the late singer, but viewers were more distracted by her speech than the recipe itself. Comments flooded in, with one fan asking, “I love you but are you ok? I’m seriously concerned,” while others defended her, suggesting she might be managing the natural effects of aging or medication.
Despite the concerns, Ray has chosen to keep her focus on the positive aspects of her life. She has yet to directly address the reactions to her cooking video but is now diving headfirst into her podcast, which promises to explore a variety of topics and challenges. “There’s no topic off-limits on the podcast,” Ray explained, emphasizing her desire to engage in meaningful conversations with her guests.
In her inaugural podcast episode, Ray also provided a glimpse into her marriage, revealing that she and Cusimano often engage in “huge screaming matches.” Surprisingly, she believes these heated discussions are beneficial to their relationship. “We rarely ‘apologize’ to each other,” she admitted, explaining their unique way of reconciling: a playful pat or kiss that signifies understanding and affection.
Ray’s openness about her struggles and triumphs not only showcases her strength but also resonates with fans who appreciate her authenticity. As she navigates her health challenges, Rachael Ray continues to embody the spirit of perseverance and joy that has endeared her to audiences for years. With her new podcast and a commitment to her culinary passions, it’s clear that this beloved chef has no intention of slowing down.
