Skip to main content
Modern workspace with a person typing on a laptop.
Chic haircuts for women over 50 trending in 2026.
Donald Trump discussing maternal healthcare at a public event.

Celebrity

Ashley Judd Just Revealed This Heartbreaking Update About Her Health Status--So Sad!

March 7, 2021 by Hannah Kerns
shefinds | Celebrity
Featured image

Ashley Judd has kept her followers up-to-date on how she’s been feeling since her severe leg injury after a serious fall in the Democratic Republic of Congo rainforest. The actress, who endured a grueling 55 hour rescue mission, is luckily doing well, but her rehabilitation process certainly does not look easy.

According to Judd’s latest update, she had to undergo a blood transfusion at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa before being transported back to America for an intense 8-hour surgery.

Keep reading for more details.

 

 

 

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Ashley Judd rescue

Judd dedicated the first half of her caption to thanking the medical staff at Sunninghill Hospital, and she had nothing but amazing things to say about the people who work there. She wrote, "I want to give my deepest and most vulnerable thanks to Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, for making split second decisions upon my arrival. I arrived to them from DRC in terrible shape and my leg had no pulse. I desperately needed a blood transfusion. Their sisters (nurses) are exemplary, technically top notch, and they cared for the trauma in my body as well as my soul with equal proficiency."

 

She also had a special note of appreciation for her doctor there. "Dr Greef... was super at stabilizing my leg with the external fixator until the massive soft tissue damage and swelling went down so that I could have the Big Operation. What he did was significant and I am forever in his debt.  It must be noted I was being cared for during the Covid B.1.351 strain that is plaguing RSA. Sunninghill is world class and a wonder. Thank you to my trauma surgeon, anesthesiologist, head of nursing, hospital management - everyone."

Ashley Judd's father

She also wrote about her father, who made the trek down to South Africa to be with her throughout this scary process. The actress wrote, "My beloved Dad, who had gotten the text no parent ever wants: 'emergency, can’t answer questions, please come now,' had indeed, because he is vaccinated, been able to come to South Africa."

 

"He has been my rock, companion, resource, helped me listen to so many doctors, critical support system, and kind, loving presence as I have wept and wept. We then made the 22 hour - 4 flights - to America thanks to unbelievably efficient disaster travel insurance on an Air Ambulance," Judd explained.

Ashley Judd hospital stay

Once she was back in America, Judd was able to undergo the "Big Operation," an intricate procedure that she is recovering from now.

 

"In an American hospital, I had to continue to wait for the tissue damage and swelling to reduce. Eventually I was qualified to have the 8-hour surgery to repair the bones, decompress the hemorrhaging nerve and pick the shards of bones out of the nerve. I am now recovering from surgery," the actress wrote.

 

Although it sounds like recovery may be a long road, Judd sounded in good spirits in the post, assuring fans that although she could not yet move her foot, she is "up and around already."

Author:

Associate Editor

Hannah Kerns pitches and writes compelling stories for SheFinds' readers. When she isn't listening to podcasts or catching up on true crime, she covers the latest in beauty, health, fashion, and celebrity news. To reach Hannah, email hannah@shefinds.com.

Madonna at the Met Gala in a stunning outfit.
Taylor Swift arriving in a private jet in 2024.
Jennifer Lopez in Defaience at the 2025 American Music Awards.
Vittoria Ceretti with Leonardo DiCaprio at a gala.
Emma Stone attending the Annual Actor Awards ceremony.
Salma Hayek at the 12th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
Kate Middleton during a state visit looking elegant.
Ariana Grande showcasing her fashion at the Golden Globes.
Kylie Jenner's elegant ensemble at the Met Gala 2025.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce enjoying a night out.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner attending a public event.
Brad Pitt and Ines De Ramon at the European premiere.
Bad Bunny's glamorous Grammy moment, celebrating music and style.
Angelina Jolie celebrating at the Trophee Chopard Award ceremony.
Selena Gomez supporting mental health at Rare Impact Benefit.
Brad Pitt and Ines De Ramon at the F1 premiere event.
Queen Camilla with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at an event.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift enjoying a public outing together.
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Malia, and Sasha posing for a family photo.
Britney Spears at the 4th Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards event.
Madonna at the Met Gala in a stunning outfit.
Taylor Swift arriving in a private jet in 2024.
Jennifer Lopez in Defaience at the 2025 American Music Awards.
Vittoria Ceretti with Leonardo DiCaprio at a gala.
Emma Stone attending the Annual Actor Awards ceremony.
Salma Hayek at the 12th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
Kate Middleton during a state visit looking elegant.
Ariana Grande showcasing her fashion at the Golden Globes.
Kylie Jenner's elegant ensemble at the Met Gala 2025.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce enjoying a night out.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner attending a public event.
Brad Pitt and Ines De Ramon at the European premiere.
Bad Bunny's glamorous Grammy moment, celebrating music and style.
Angelina Jolie celebrating at the Trophee Chopard Award ceremony.
Selena Gomez supporting mental health at Rare Impact Benefit.
Brad Pitt and Ines De Ramon at the F1 premiere event.
Queen Camilla with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at an event.
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift enjoying a public outing together.
Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Malia, and Sasha posing for a family photo.
Britney Spears at the 4th Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards event.