In an emotional revelation during his new Netflix special, Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx shared a deeply personal moment with his audience.
According to TODAY, Foxx disclosed that his 14-year-old daughter Anelise's guitar playing helped stabilize his vitals while he was unconscious in the hospital during a life-threatening medical emergency in 2023.
The 56-year-old actor explained that he experienced a brain bleed that led to a stroke, leaving him unconscious for weeks. During this critical period, his daughter's musical intervention proved to be what he describes as a miracle, as medical staff observed improvements in his condition whenever she played.
The actor revealed that despite his initial reluctance to have his daughter see him in such a vulnerable state, Anelise, who turned 16 in 2024, took matters into her own hands. She secretly entered his hospital room with her guitar, determined to help her father. Foxx shared that Anelise had been carrying her guitar since she was 10 years old.
The medical staff was amazed to witness the positive impact of Anelise's guitar playing on her father's vital signs. The young musician even requested the nurses maintain silence during her performances, creating a peaceful environment for her father's recovery.
Foxx emotionally expressed his spiritual interpretation of the experience. Speaking about his daughter's guitar playing, he said:
You know what I found out? It was God in that guitar. That's my spiritual defibrillator.
The Netflix special took a heartfelt turn when Anelise joined her father, Jamie Foxx, on stage. The two shared an emotional embrace as Foxx expressed his deep appreciation for her support during his recovery, underscoring the close bond they share.
Anelise responded by sharing that her father's perseverance had been a source of inspiration, explaining that she had always dreamed of performing on stage with him. Together, they delivered a moving spoken word piece that transitioned into a song, recounting Foxx's medical journey. Their performance was made even more impactful by personal photos displayed on a screen in the background, adding a deeply personal touch to the moment.
The special demonstrated the profound impact of familial love during times of crisis. Foxx's experience has given him a deeper appreciation for his daughter's presence in his life, leading him to reflect on the importance of having reliable support during difficult times.
Throughout the performance, Foxx continuously acknowledged his daughter's talent and contribution to his recovery. The actor made sure to give Anelise her moment in the spotlight, stepping back to allow the audience to fully appreciate her musical abilities.
The special concluded with a touching exchange of "I love you" between father and daughter, cementing their already strong bond that was further strengthened through this life-altering experience.
Jamie Foxx's Netflix special "What Had Happened Was..." revealed the previously unknown details of his 2023 medical emergency, during which he suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke and left him unconscious for weeks. The actor's recovery was significantly aided by his youngest daughter, Anelise, whose guitar playing helped stabilize his vital signs.
The emotional performance showcased the power of music in healing and the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter. Their shared stage moment fulfilled Anelise's long-held dream of performing with her father, transforming a near-tragic situation into a powerful testimony of love, healing, and family bonds.
