Selena Gomez speaks out about her life-saving kidney transplant
She tells all in an emotional interview
Last updated 30th Oct 2017
Last month Selena Gomez shocked her fans when she posted a photo of herself in hospital with the caption 'So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering,' revealing she had had a life-saving kidney transplant, with her friend, actress Francia Raisa, donating her own kidney to the 'Bad Liar' singer.
Selena and Francia have now spoken out for the first time in an interview aired on American TV, after previously taking to Instagram to say they would share their story in time.
Suffering from lupus, an autoimmune disease, Selena explained that as a result of the disease she suffered from a number of health issues, including kidney failure and arthritis which is now better since the transplant.
Speaking to the Today programme Selena and her friend revealed how the decision to have the transplant came about; with Francia ultimately making that decision that would give the singer the gift of life.
With her kidneys shutting down and just weeks away from dialysis, Selena said "My mentality was just to keep going."
Francia went on to explain how Selena came home one day and couldn't open a bottle of water. "She chucked it and she started crying. I said, ‘What's wrong?' and that's when she told me."
Francia continued, "She goes, ‘I don't know what to do. The donor list is seven to 10 years long.'"
This was when Francia decided to find out if she could be a potential donor. Explaining on Today, Francia said she did most of the physical and psychological evaluations that normally take six months in just a day, and amazingly she was a match for her friend. Despite Selena's protests that she couldn't expect her friend to donate her kidney, Francia refused to back down.
The pair then explained how they prepared for the surgery by getting matching French braids and having an indulgent meal the night before.
As with any surgery there is always a risk and Francia described how it was scary that she had to write a will, "there's no guarantee you'll wake up" she explained.
Watch the full interview below:
This interview comes just a few weeks after it was revealed that Selena would release a documentary about her health issues.
Read more stories on KISS:
Ferne McCann welcomed a baby girl
The Only Way Is Essex star Ferne McCann welcomed a baby girl into the world.
Simon Cowell revealed the real reason for his fall
After fainting and falling down the stairs, Simon Cowell revealed the reason for his collapse was due to low blood pressure.
Viewers of The X Factor confused at new format
After the first live show of this year's The X Factor, viewers were left confused at the point of the new 'Prize Fight' concept.
Brooke Vincent announced for Dancing On Ice
Coronation Street actress Brooke Vincent was revealed as the first contestant for Dancing On Ice.
Liam Payne performed 'Bedroom Floor' on The X Factor
Liam Payne returned to The X Factor to perform his brand new single 'Bedroom Floor' live for the first time on TV. Fans loved it!
Selena Gomez and The Weeknd split up
Selena Gomez and The Weeknd reportedly ended their 10-month romance.
Sharon Osbourne made a big gaffe on The X Factor
Sharon Osbourne made a big blunder on The X Factor when she called boyband Rak-Su 'katsu'. Oops!
Shawn Mendes announced a live album
Shawn Mendes delighted his fans by announcing he will be dropping a live album of his MTV Unplugged performances.
Stephen Bear annoyed fans with a tweet
Stephen Bear annoyed fans when he tweeted about how rich and single he is. He wrote, 'When you wake up and realise your sexy, rich, single, drive a sports car and move into their house in 3 weeks. F-- all you haters.' sic
Selena Gomez spoke about her kidney transplant
Selena Gomez opened up about her kidney transplant for the first time in an emotional interview with her friend Francia Raisa.
Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah Bagshawe expecting second child
Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah Bagshawe announced they are expecting their second child together. The couple already have a daughter called Iris May.
Charlotte Crosby denied rumours she's dating Pete Wicks
Charlotte Crosby shut down rumours that she is dating TOWIE star Pete Wicks after the pair posed for a photo together.
Liam Payne explained his bizarre stage exit
Liam Payne revealed the real reason for his weird exit on The X Factor. The singer revealed bosses told him to leave the stage that way.
Kem Cetinay confirmed for Dancing On Ice
Love Island 2017 winner Kem Cetinay was confirmed to appear on the new series of Dancing On Ice.
I'm A Celebrity confirmed Ant and Dec's return
I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here released the first trailer for this year's series and confirmed Ant and Dec's return.
Prue Leith made a major blunder on Twitter
Prue Leith revealed the winner of The Great British Bake Off 12 hours before the final episode aired on Channel 4.
Little Mix announced 'Glory Days: The Documentary'
Little Mix announced they will be releasing a full length documentary on the 24th November.
Alan Carr dressed as Gemma Collins
Alan Carr attended Jonathon Ross' annual Halloween party dressed as TOWIE's Gemma Collins.
Cheryl Baker was confirmed for Dancing On Ice
Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker was confirmed as the second contestant for Dancing On Ice when it returns in January 2018.
Our Girl fans left devastated at final episode
Viewers of Our Girl were left fuming after popular character Elvis Harte was killed on the programme.
Dom Lever and Jess Shears announced exciting wedding plans
Love Island's Dom Lever and Jess Shears revealed they are set to marry in September 2018.
Beyoncé announced she will star in The Lion King
Beyoncé announced she will play the role of Nala in the 2019 live action remake of The Lion King. Other stars in the movie include Seth Rogan and Donald Glover.
Taylor Swift dropped 'Call It What You Want'
Taylor Swift announced a brand new song called 'Call It What You Want'.
Kourtney Kardashian and Younes Bendjima went Instagram official
Kourtney Kardashian went Instagram official with her new boyfriend Younes Bendjima.
Sarah Harding and Chad Johnson split?
Sarah Harding sparked rumours that she'd split with Chad Johnson by posting a cryptic message on Instagram.