Around Christmas 2023, QVC viewers were left concerned as Kim Gravel, a beloved host, unexpectedly disappeared from the home-shopping network. Gravel later addressed her absence in a live Instagram session, providing an update on her well-being and unveiling the launch of her new beauty line, “Love Who You Are,” coinciding with her return to QVC programming in January.
Apart from her hosting duties on QVC, Gravel is known for her Belle line of jewelry, fashion, and beauty products. During her Instagram live on January 14, 2024, Gravel acknowledged the “radio silence” on her social media and revealed that she had experienced a challenging few months due to what she referred to as a “medical trauma.” She confessed to working excessively and neglecting her health.
In a candid revelation, Gravel disclosed that she had been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a condition characterized by temporary weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, resulting from damage to the facial nerve. This condition is identifiable by visible drooping on one side of the face.
Gravel shared on social media, “A few weeks ago, I woke up, and half of the side of my face was paralyzed with Bell’s palsy.” She admitted that she was still in the midst of the challenging situation, and the official diagnosis had taken her by surprise. Despite the ongoing difficulties, Gravel emphasized the profound lessons she gained from facing Bell’s palsy, stating that it made her appreciate the preciousness of life.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the exact cause of Bell’s palsy remains unknown. It is sometimes associated with viral infections, diabetes, or occurs in pregnant women. While the condition can resolve within six months for many individuals, some may experience lingering effects, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Bell’s palsy.
