Tori Spelling's Health Scare Highlights Challenges of Working Mothers

Podcast details Spelling's battle with chronic illness and the impact on her family

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Tori Spelling's recent health scare, detailed in her podcast 'misSPELLING,' offers a poignant look at the pressures faced by working mothers and the evolving landscape of family wellness. After being largely bedridden for two months due to a complex illness starting with sinusitis and escalating to internal ear infections and vertigo, Spelling relied heavily on her children for support, highlighting a growing trend of 'reverse parenting' where children take on increased household responsibilities when a parent faces health challenges.

Why it matters

Spelling's experience mirrors a broader trend of families navigating chronic health conditions, with the initial trigger - a possible sinus infection contracted from her children - illustrating how easily illness can spread within a household. Her struggle with antibiotics and finding relief through alternative therapies speaks to the complexities of treating infections and the potential limitations of conventional medicine. Additionally, Spelling's lifelong aversion to water, stemming from childhood trauma, highlights the profound impact of early experiences on adult health behaviors.

The details

Tori Spelling's recent health scare began with a sinus infection that developed into more severe symptoms, including internal ear infections and vertigo. During this time, her 16-year-old son, Liam, and 15-year-old daughter, Stella, adjusted their schedules to accommodate the family's needs, with Stella taking on the responsibility of picking up her younger brother from school. Spelling's previous struggles with mold in her home, forcing her family to live in an RV, further emphasize the importance of a healthy living environment and the impact of indoor air quality on overall wellness.

  • Spelling was largely bedridden for two months due to her illness.
  • Spelling's children took on increased household responsibilities during her illness.

The players

Tori Spelling

An American actress and television personality who recently detailed her battle with a complex illness in her podcast 'misSPELLING'.

Liam Spelling

Tori Spelling's 16-year-old son who adjusted his schedule to accommodate the family's needs during his mother's illness.

Stella Spelling

Tori Spelling's 15-year-old daughter who took on the responsibility of picking up her younger brother from school during her mother's illness.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Tori Spelling's health scare highlights the challenges faced by working mothers and the evolving dynamics within modern families, where children often take on increased responsibilities when a parent faces chronic illness. This experience underscores the importance of prioritizing preventative health measures, seeking support when needed, and fostering a healthy living environment to promote overall well-being.