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Kelly Dodd

Former “The Real Housewives of Orange County” star Vicki Gunvalson opened up about a recent medical scare on the August 26, 2024 episode of “My Friend, My Soulmate, My Podcast” and is now receiving support from some of her former RHOC costars.

Kelly Dodd posted a photo of herself and Gunvalson on Instagram on August 26, writing, “I knew @vickigunvalson almost died because (her boyfriend) Mike Smith called me and said she almost died. Sorry @michaelsmith0522 and you told me not to say anything!! So I didn’t tell anyone!! See I can keep a secret! I talked to my friend @vickigunvalson and she survived! Love you Vicki and wish you a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹 #godlovesyou ❤️,” her caption read.

Former RHOC stars send their love to Vicki Gunvalson

Dodd wasn’t the only one wishing Gunvalson well. Other RHOC alumni also weighed in in their comments section.

“So creepy. I’m glad she’s okay,” commented Peggy Tanous from Season 6.

“Love Vicki ♥️,” added Season 9’s Lizzie Rovsek.

Gunvalson’s exact diagnosis was pneumonia that developed into sepsis, giving her only a 10 to 20 percent chance of survival (in the worst case scenario), according to the president and founder of Coto Insurance.

“The sepsis that has invaded your body is fatal, and you survived it, so you’re going to be OK. It’s just going to take a while. So my energy level is super low. Michael is amazing, he gives me my medication because I can’t remember when I take it, and I get enough sleep. Probably too much, but I don’t have the energy to go right now. But it’s very similar, it’s similar to a stroke, and you know, I just have three days off. It’s like someone just erased it from the calendar,” Gunvalson recounted in a clip from her Aug. 26 podcast.

Although her boyfriend was out of town when her health problems began, his daughter Olivia was able to get Gunvalson to the hospital and get her the help she needed. Gunvalson said Olivia was her “guardian angel” during this difficult time.

Camille Meyer of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills commented on the podcast clip, saying, “@vickigunvalson I’m so sorry you were so sick. Sepsis is serious. 🙏 Prayers for a speedy recovery 🙏.”

Vicki Gunvalson opens a bar in Puerto Vallarta

Before her health scare, Gunvalson was working harder than ever. Although she was always known for working hard in her insurance business, in another August 2024 episode of her podcast, Gunvalson announced that she would be opening a bar called Whoop It Up in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

On August 8, Gunvalson also made a post confirming that she was making progress on renovating her own condo in Puerto Vallarta. “Puerto Vallarta renovation update! 🛠️
Construction on the condo is progressing well and it looks like we are on time for the September 1st completion date 👏🏼 Can’t wait to show you the finished product soon! ✨,” Gunvalson captioned the post, which included photos of the construction on her new condo.

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Henry Sinnott is an entertainment reporter who covers HGTV, The Voice, American Idol and Teen Mom for Heavy. Henry lives in Brooklyn, New York and is a graduate of Binghamton University. He loves all things comedy and reality TV. More about Henry Sinnott