Former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton recently opened up about her harrowing battle with pneumonia and the challenges she faced due to being uninsured. In a January 2024 interview with Today, Retton expressed her gratitude for surviving the ordeal, revealing that she had been close to being put on life support.
Mary Lou Retton is a legendary figure in American sports history. Known as “America’s Sweetheart,” she became the first American female gymnast to win gold in the all-around competition at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
She also earned two silver and two bronze medals during her career. After retiring from gymnastics in 1986, Retton remained in the public eye through appearances in films and television shows, including “Scrooged” and “Baywatch,” and competed on “Dancing With the Stars” in 2018.
In October 2023, Retton’s daughter, McKenna Kelley, revealed on Instagram that her mother had been diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia and was fighting for her life in the ICU. McKenna also disclosed that Retton did not have health insurance, which led to a crowdfunding campaign to help cover medical expenses. The campaign raised over $400,000, according to McKenna’s interview with USA Today.
Throughout Retton’s hospitalization, her daughters and former “Dancing With the Stars” partner, Sasha Farber, provided updates to fans. Farber described Retton as a fighter, sharing videos of her dancing to boost her spirits. In October 2023, Retton’s daughters, Shayla and McKenna, posted updates on social media, highlighting her progress and expressing gratitude for the support they received. By October 23, 2023, McKenna announced that her mother had returned home to continue her recovery.
Retton eventually broke her silence on the ordeal in an Instagram statement, expressing her gratitude for the love and support she received. She acknowledged the long road ahead but remained positive, stating that she hoped to share more about her health issues in the future to help others facing similar battles.
In a January 2024 interview, Retton explained why she had been uninsured. She cited financial struggles following her divorce and the COVID-19 pandemic, which made it impossible for her to afford health insurance. Despite the challenges, Retton emphasized the importance of support systems and the kindness of strangers who helped her through the fundraiser.
However, Retton faced another setback in May 2025 when she was arrested in West Virginia on a DUI charge. According to People, she was released on a $1,500 personal recognizance bond.
Mary Lou Retton’s journey highlights the importance of health insurance and the power of community support. Her story serves as a reminder that even Olympic champions can face unexpected health challenges and the need for financial assistance.
