What happened to Rachael Ray? Health struggles explored as cooking host sparks concern over viral video

American professional cook Rachael Domenica Ray, commonly known as Rachael Ray, has once again sparked concern after she slurred in a recently released video on Instagram.

Concern for the 56-year-old chef grows as this wasn't the first time she was seen mumbling in a video. In September 2024, Rachael was seen slurring in a video she posted on Instagram, which had her fans worried about her health.

Rachael Ray, who has had quite a successful career as an iconic television personality as well as a best-selling cookbook author, in her latest video on Instagram, posted on May 11, 2025, in which she slurred, was seen standing in what appeared to be a kitchen, talking about her early days when she struggled financially and somehow managed to make ends meet with just $40 a week.

The renowned chef in the video she shared on the social media platform said:

"When I lived in New York as a very young woman, I was very, very poor. I didn’t want to bother my mother. I didn’t want her to feel scared for me. So I would never ask for money. And I didn’t have any. Eventually, I did a show called ‘$40 a Day. And that was my budget for a whole week. I would buy a week’s food, and I only had $40."

While talking about how "grateful" she has always been, Ray added:

"I’m deeply thankful for it. It’s made my life what it is."

You can check out the Instagram video below:

Besides her sentimental message in the Instagram video, her fans took to the comments section to express their concern about Rachael's demeanor. Fans and the netizens were concerned about her health as she looked like she might be going through some health issues.

Rachael, who is married to actor John M. Cusimano, besides being a well-established chef and a prominent TV personality, is also a businesswoman.

According to The List, Rachael has faced different kinds of health issues while growing up. Ray, who has a distinctive voice, suffered from croup when she was a child.

Other than suffering from croup, Ray has also endured physical injuries. During a 2007 interview with People Magazine, Rachael opened up about the time when she was mugged, not once but twice, and shared that she was beaten by the mugger the second time. However, she also broke her ankle during that time, but she did not specify if her ankle was injured by the mugger.

Ray was diagnosed with a benign cyst and in July 2009 underwent surgery to get rid of it. The cyst made her voice weak and made it difficult for her to speak. However, she was fine and in better health once the cyst was removed.

Besides all of her health issues that she faced over the years, during one of the episodes of her podcast, I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, in October 2024, Rachael talked about suffering a few bad falls. She linked some of those injuries to her not being able to complete household chores.

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Let's check out how the netizens reacted after Rachael Ray slurred in her latest Instagram video

When Rachael Ray's fans found her slurring in her latest Instagram video, they took to the comments section to express their concern regarding her health. While some of them were surprised to see how she looked, some were understanding and wished her good health. Check out some of the reactions below:

"Girl are you okay? We didn't recognize you." wrote a social media user.

What happened to her? Wow!" an internet user said.

"Guys, it's documented that she's had personal struggles. Health is a gift. Let's be kind or silent. We never know what people are going through," commented by a social media user.

"Rachel. Are you okay? You don't look well," a social media user commented.