Jamie Foxx’s touching reaction to his BET Awards tribute on June 9 hit home- not just as a moment of celebrity emotionality, but as the culmination of a harrowing journey back to health. Audiences and fans alike let out a collective sigh of relief when Foxx collected the Ultimate Icon Award and tributes from multiple talented artists.
The public display of emotions and gratitude came after a near-fatal health scare Foxx faced earlier this year. For fans, the sight of a teary-eyed Foxx wasn’t just moving, it was healing. Social media has lit up with fan tweets and reactions to the heartfelt moment. The moment marked resilience and personal triumph, not just for him, but for every fan who’s been silently standing by him during the hard times.
What happened to Jamie Foxx?
In his 2024 Netflix special Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, which came out in December, Jamie Foxx candidly opened up about how a sudden, extreme headache on April 11, 2023, led to a horrifying medical emergency. He was rushed to Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta by his sister Deidre Dixon after the first doctor dismissed his illness.
The doctor at Piedmont notified Dixon that he needed to go into surgery immediately. Recalling the days he was in a coma, Foxx shared:
I don’t remember 20 days.
Foxx woke up on May 4, 2023, in a wheelchair, struggling to grapple with his new reality. Medical professionals informed his family that his vitals are reflective of a dire condition and that they fear he might die in the first 15 days. However, they also added that, post the 15-day critical care period, he might make a full recovery, but not without a tormentous year of rehabilitation. It took a while for Foxx to come to terms with his condition and begin his healing journey.
Gradually, a mix of careful reintroduction to physical activities, therapy sessions, and holding on to his comedic roots tightly granted him a safe and successful healing process.
Here’s why the BET Tribute meant so much to Foxx
Fast-forward to the BET Awards on June 9, where Foxx made an appearance. Presented as a magnificent celebration of his extensive contributions to the industry, the tribute took on a powerful meaning. When the 57-year-old singer/comedian broke down during the tribute, it marked a significant moment in pop culture history. With stars like T-Pain, Jennifer Hudson, Babyface, Craig Robinson, Ludacris, and more honoring him, Foxx was moved by the grand gesture.
Foxx was presented with the Ultimate Icon Award (via BET ). During his speech, the singer expressed his gratitude as he got emotional, saying:
I cannot even begin to express the love that I feel from everybody out there. I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but I know my second chance, I’m not gonna turn down.
While accepting the Ultimate Icon award at the #BETAwards, Jamie Foxx gets emotional speaking about his recent stroke pic.twitter.com/EFILMtAgVT
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) June 10, 2025
The Oscar-winning actor’s heartfelt expression of gratitude was not a manufactured moment, but a deeply human comeback of a beloved cultural icon. Ever tear rolling down Foxx’s eyes reminded fans of just how close we were to losing him, and how bravely he fought back. His openness about his condition and stroke, shared in the Netflix special, stands as an inspiration to many.
At BET, fans weren’t just viewing the show, they were celebrating a story of resilience and strength. The emotion on that stage wasn’t just for show, it was raw and real. Foxx’s tearful acceptance speech is exactly what the fans needed to see after the devastating year he’s had.
It marked not just his return, but a triumphant reclaiming of life, giving his fans exactly what they’ve been waiting for: proof that their icon is battered but unbroken, and is he is here to stay.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
