Jason Kennedy Asks For Prayers As Son Ryver Battles Mystery Infection In ICU
Jason Kennedy is leaning on faith and the support of his loved ones as his two-year-old son, Ryver, fights a baffling infection in the pediatric ICU. The former E! News host, 43, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a heartbreaking update, posting a photo of himself holding Ryver in a hospital bed. Though his little boy’s face was turned away, an oxygen tube was visible, helping him breathe as he remained under close medical watch.
“If you could say a prayer for our boy Ryver it would mean a lot,” Jason wrote in his caption. “Day 2 in pediatric intensive care, the infection is leaving doctors perplexed and we are hopeful for more answers today. Gutting to see him in this kind of pain.”
The mystery surrounding Ryver’s illness has left even medical experts searching for answers, making the situation all the more difficult for Jason and his wife, Lauren Scruggs Kennedy. The couple, who also share their 16-month-old daughter, Poppy Nord, have been flooded with prayers and support from friends and fans.
Celebrity friends quickly sent their love in the comments, with Kourtney Kardashian writing, “Prayed for the baby boy,” alongside a prayer emoji. Disney Channel alum David Henrie added, “Praying, brother.”
Just days before Ryver was hospitalized, Jason had shared a lighthearted moment with his son in a funny video, playfully teasing him for taking “forever” in the bathroom — something he joked was a regular occurrence in their home. Now, that normal, everyday moment feels like a lifetime ago as the family anxiously waits for answers.
Jason and Lauren have been open about their journey to parenthood, having faced years of fertility struggles before welcoming Ryver in April 2022 through IVF. When Jason first laid eyes on his son, he described it as an “unreal movie moment.”
“Trying to come up with words to fully process the last 48 hours isn’t possible,” he said at the time. “Seeing my son for the first time felt like a movie, I kept closing my eyes and finally realized it was true.”
“We love this boy so much and are so thankful for this time together. Lo and Ryver are doing great,” he continued.
In October 2023, the couple happily announced the birth of their second child, Poppy, calling her “an angel” in a sweet Instagram post. Even their close friend Justin Bieber got in on the excitement, sharing a photo of himself cradling the newborn.
