AceShowbiz - Ray J’s mother, Sonja Norwood, has disclosed a serious health crisis involving her son’s heart, following a frightening hospital stay in Las Vegas.

The situation began on January 6, 2026, when Ray J, 44, was admitted for what was initially thought to be pneumonia, a condition he had recently battled in November. The recurrence of symptoms seemed manageable at first.

During a phone call, Ray J tried to calm his mother’s fears by explaining, “Mom, it’s probably nothing. It’s just probably remnants from the old pneumonia because maybe I didn’t take all of my medicine.” He encouraged her to wait, assuring her that he expected to be tested, given antibiotics, and sent home soon.

However, doctors opted to keep him overnight for further evaluation, prompting Sonja Norwood and her husband to immediately fly to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, they found Ray J in the emergency room, suffering severe chest pain and chills, wrapped in a hoodie to stay warm.

Extensive medical tests, including liver function assessments, preceded an angiogram that revealed alarming results. The heart specialist informed the family that Ray J’s heart was operating at dangerously low efficiency, with blood flow reduced to only 15 to 20 percent.

The diagnosis was cardiomyopathy, a serious disease that weakens the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood effectively. This condition poses severe risks and can drastically shorten a patient’s life expectancy.

Sonja Norwood shared that doctors repeatedly emphasized the gravity of Ray J’s health, warning that his condition was critical. Cardiomyopathy can arise from multiple causes, including infections, stress, and other medical issues.

Experts note that chronic stress, such as that from recent legal challenges and financial difficulties faced by Ray J, may contribute to the onset of heart disease. In addition, Ray J has admitted that his extensive use of pills, alcohol, and hard drugs played a significant role in damaging his heart.

This diagnosis sheds light on recent observations, such as Ray J performing with a heart monitor and reports of blood streaming from his eyes during shows, symptoms consistent with his deteriorating cardiovascular health.

The Norwood family now faces the difficult reality of managing this life-threatening condition while supporting Ray J through treatment and recovery. The coming months will be crucial for his health and well-being.