Jamie Foxx receives BET Ultimate Icon Award, Delivers Emotional Speech on His Health Recovery

Award-winning actor and musician Jamie Foxx delivered a deeply emotional and heartfelt speech after he was presented the 'Ultimate Icon' award during the BET Awards 2025 ceremony, opening up publicly about his health scare, his miraculous recovery, and the unshakable support of his family and the Black community.

“God is good, all the time. And all the time, God is good,” Foxx began, referencing the popular phrase with renewed conviction. “I used to take that saying for granted,” he admitted. “But after what I’ve been through, I can’t stay quiet. I have to testify.”

According to a report from The Independent, Foxx suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke and was unconscious for several weeks, and had lack of memory from the time he was hospitalized in 2023. 

He referenced a life-threatening medical emergency that he narrowly survived. “When I saw the memoriam, I was like, man, it could have been me,” he said, choking back emotion. “I don’t know why I went through what I went through. But I know this—my second chance? I’m not going to turn it down. I have so much love to give.”

Foxx expressed gratitude to his fans, friends, and especially his family for their unwavering support during his darkest hours. He paid special tribute to his sister, Deidre Dixon, who he said dropped everything to care for him. “Little Black girl from South Dallas,” he said proudly. “She does all the hair and makeup on the Marvel films. That’s her.”

He also honoured his daughters, Corinne Foxx and Annalise, both of whom played critical roles in his recovery. Recalling a moment from the hospital, Foxx described how his 14-year-old daughter Annalise snuck into his room with her guitar after overhearing medical staff expressing fear he might not make it.

“She said, ‘I know what my daddy needs,’ and started playing. My vitals dropped. The nurses ran in and asked what they gave me. She said, ‘Shh… I got him.’ God was in that guitar.”

Fighting back tears, Foxx said, “At a certain point, I’m going to stop crying… but I ain’t going to stop this sht.*”

The Academy Award winner used his moment to emphasize the significance of being honoured by his own community. “Thank you to Black people, and thank you for this Black award,” he said. “This is what really counts. A lot of people think the Oscars is the biggest thing—we have to quit thinking like that.”

The moving speech, filled with vulnerability and gratitude, has already drawn widespread praise across social media, with fans calling it one of the most powerful moments of the evening. 

As Foxx ended his address, he reminded the audience once more:
“God is good. And all the time.”