The singer, who was hospitalized for a severe case of pneumonia at the start of the year, claims he has less than a year to live.

Ray J says doctors have given him 8 different medications for heart condition, say he may need a defibrillator

The singer, who was hospitalized for a severe case of pneumonia at the start of the year, claims he has less than a year to live.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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January 29, 2026 11:55 a.m. ET

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William Raymond Norwood Jr., a.k.a. Ray J, at SiriusXM Studios on Feb. 13, 2020. Credit:

Steven Ferdman/Getty

Ray J is offering a troubling health update, days after announcing that he has only one year left to live.

The "One Wish" singer, who was hospitalized for a severe case of pneumonia earlier this month, has revealed that his doctors have prescribed eight different medications in an effort to prolong his life amid his ongoing heart issues.

In a report published on Jan. 29, Ray J told TMZ that among those medications is cholesterol drug Lipitor, which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke, along with Jardiance and Entresto, both of which treat those at risk of heart failure.

The singer also shared that doctors have told him to prepare for the possibility of getting a pacemaker or defibrillator, following a check-up in two weeks. He has additionally been warned to avoid drinking and smoking.

Ray J performs onstage during ONE Musicfest 2025 at Piedmont Park on Oct. 25, 2025.

Julia Beverly/Getty

This latest update comes weeks after the "Sexy Can I" singer was rushed to a Las Vegas hospital on Jan. 6 in order to receive treatment for pneumonia and heart pains. Later, in a Jan. 25 Instagram post, Ray J told followers that he "almost died," but made it through thanks to "prayers and support" from his fans and loved ones.

"I was in the hospital. My heart’s only beating, like, 25 percent, but as long as I stay focused and stay on the right path, everything will be alright," he shared. "So thank you for all your prayers."

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After acknowledging that his health was still "not okay," he thanked those who rallied behind him, including his parents and sister, Brandy.

In a separate livestream two days later, Ray J told viewers that his medical team informed him he only has a few months left to live. "2027 is definitely a wrap for me," he said in the clip. When a friend denied his claim, Ray J replied, "That’s what the doctor said!"

Ray J, Melody, Princess Love and Epik attend a special screening of "Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie" at Paramount Pictures Studios on September 17, 2023.

Jesse Grant/Getty

He explained that his struggles with drug and alcohol usage have had a long term impact, claiming that the right side of his heart has turned black.

"I f---ed up," he said. "I thought I was a big [shot], so I could handle all the alcohol. I could handle all the Adderall. I could handle all the drugs, but I couldn’t. And it curbed my time here."

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During his chat with TMZ, Ray J credited his love for his children with helping him to "realize I need to change my ways of living." The singer shares two kids — daughter Melody Love and son Epik Ray — with his estranged ex-wife Princess Love. He is currently unable to see the children due to a criminal protective order issued after his Thanksgiving morning arrest.

The conversation also saw the singer express interest in traveling to Haiti to find a cure for his disease, concluding, "If I come out of this, I'll be stronger and a better person."

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