Wyoming Man Marries Fiancée Days After Quadruple Bypass Surgery

Ken Woolsey underwent life-saving heart surgery but refused to postpone his Valentine's Day wedding.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ken Woolsey, a 61-year-old Wyoming man, married his fiancée Lonna Heath Porter on Valentine's Day, just days after undergoing a life-saving quadruple bypass surgery. Woolsey suffered a heart attack at work on January 30 and had the surgery on February 4, but was determined to go through with the wedding as planned, despite his doctors' concerns about the recovery timeline.

Why it matters

This story highlights the power of love and commitment, as well as the remarkable resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of serious health challenges. Woolsey's determination to marry his fiancée despite his recent heart surgery is an inspiring example of how important personal milestones can motivate people to push through difficult circumstances.

The details

Woolsey suffered a heart attack while at work on January 30 and was rushed to the emergency room. Doctors quickly determined he needed open-heart surgery and performed a quadruple bypass procedure on February 4. While his doctors said recovery typically takes a couple of months, Woolsey was adamant about marrying his fiancée Lonna Heath Porter on their planned wedding date of February 14. Despite concerns from friends and medical staff, Woolsey refused to postpone the wedding, saying "Nothing was going to stop us."

  • Woolsey suffered a heart attack at work on January 30.
  • Woolsey underwent quadruple bypass surgery on February 4.
  • Woolsey and Lonna Heath Porter were married on Valentine's Day, February 14.

The players

Ken Woolsey

A 61-year-old Wyoming man who suffered a heart attack at work and underwent life-saving quadruple bypass surgery, but was determined to marry his fiancée as planned.

Lonna Heath Porter

Woolsey's fiancée, who was set to marry him on Valentine's Day despite his recent heart surgery.

Joseph Monfre

The cardiothoracic surgeon who performed Woolsey's quadruple bypass procedure.

Gary Idelchik

The cardiologist who worked with Monfre on Woolsey's surgery.

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What they’re saying

“Open-heart surgery is a big deal, and it's an even bigger deal when you have a wedding. We all had in the back of our heads that this Valentine's Day wedding was looming.”

— Joseph Monfre, Cardiothoracic Surgeon (people.com)

“She said we could postpone, but I said I don't want to. We sent out the invites. This has been planned, and nothing — not even heart surgery — was going to stop us.”

— Ken Woolsey (people.com)

“I'm getting my life back together. And marrying her was the best way to start.”

— Ken Woolsey (people.com)

What’s next

Woolsey and his new wife Lonna Heath Porter will continue to focus on his recovery and starting their new life together as a married couple.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story demonstrates the power of love and determination to overcome even the most daunting health challenges. Woolsey's refusal to let his recent heart surgery stop him from marrying his beloved fiancée on their planned wedding date is an inspiring example of the human spirit's resilience.