She’s a controversial judge on The Voice whose songs are all over the music charts, but it’s health issues that have really been landing Jessie J in the headline lately.
Last month, the Flashlight singer was forced to cancel shows after undergoing an emergency operation. Although she didn’t refrain from sharing selfies from her hospital bed, Jessie — who was discharged a fortnight ago — has remained cagey about what put her there in the first place.
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However, in an interview with Mornings the British star has spoken about the rare heart condition that has affected her since she was a child, and suffering a minor stroke at the age of 17.
“You know, the weirdest thing is that being that sick made me Jessie J … I started writing songs because that was my get out of feeling unwell and down,” she told host Sonia Kruger. (Post continues after gallery.)
Jessie J on Instagram
“I do have to manage my life in a certain way … Sometimes I’m not [fine], but there’s loads of people who aren’t. I’m fine. I’m very proud of myself. I’ve done a lot more than I thought I could.”
The 27-year-old explained she has Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which affects the electrical system of the heart and causes symptoms like irregular heartbeats, tightness and shortness of breath. The condition runs in her family — her father and grandfather both suffer from it.
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Despite living with illness from such a young age, Jessie says her parents never allowed her to succumb to the condition.