Grammy-winning artist Tori Kelly on Thursday made her first public comments since being hospitalized, thanking her fans for their prayers while posting a Bible verse on her social media accounts that references God’s protection.
The pop/gospel singer-songwriter was hospitalized Sunday after she collapsed at a restaurant while eating with friends, according to TMZ. She is undergoing treatment for blood clots around her vital organs, the website said.
On Thursday morning, Kelly posted a Bible verse on her timeline, along with a letter to fans. The Bible verse was Deuteronomy 31:8 (“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”) Kelly has collaborated with gospel and CCM artists Kirk Franklin and For King and Country
“As you may have heard, I'm dealing with some unexpected health challenges,” she wrote. “It’s been a scary few days but I can feel your prayers & can't stop thinking about you. I'm feeling stronger now & hopeful but unfortunately there are still some things to uncover. I'm so grateful for the amazing doctors & nurses who have been looking after me.”
Her new album, Tori, is scheduled to be released July 28. Kelly said she will not delay the release.
“Of course I’m heartbroken about all of the things I had planned for this week of releasing my EP, but I know my health must come first. Until I see you again, I still want you to enjoy a project that represents the happy place I’ve been in the last few years. I won't let this hurdle prevent the music from being yours on Friday! I love you all so much & I am truly overwhelmed by all of the love & care I have received. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
Her husband, Andre Murillo, on Wednesday had said on an Instagram story that “Tori is smiling again and feeling stronger.”
“Not fully out of the woods but we see the sun,” Murillo wrote.
Kelly’s Instagram post received words of gratitude from several people in the Christian community, including Andy Mineo, Greg Laurie, Rachael Lampa, Tedashii, Israel Houghton, and Naomi Raine. Elmo of Sesame Street also chimed in, writing, “Get well soon, Miss. Tori! Elmo loves you.” Kelly appeared on Sesame Street in 2016.
Photo Courtesy: ©Getty Images/Mark Brown/Stringer
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
