When Ryan Seacrest isn’t hosting “American Idol,” “Wheel of Fortune,” or his daily radio show, the busy broadcaster can often be found visiting or supporting another children’s hospital. Seacrest has built 14 Seacrest Studios at hospitals across the U.S., giving pediatric patients and celebrities the chance to connect and even record shows for other patients.
On March 25, 2026, Seacrest posted a behind-the-scenes video from a special behind-the-scenes moment on the “WOF” set, when a grandmother in the audience emotionally shared that her granddaughter was just released from one of the hospitals he’s supported.
Seacrest captioned the post about their interaction by writing, “The contestants are the heart of @WheelofFortune, but every so often, someone in the audience leaves a mark too. Sending love to your granddaughter and everyone at @chocchildrens.”
Ryan Seacrest Sweetly Made His Way Over to Woman Whose Granddaughter Was Hospitalized for 3 Weeks
Seacrest posted a sweet pic of himself embracing the grandmother who got his attention from the audience at “Wheel of Fortune,” which he’s hosted since the fall of 2024. The second slide featured a video of how that moment came to be.
His co-host Vanna White could be seen first, trying to see the woman speaking in the audience to Seacrest, as he climbed up the stairs to reach the crowd.
“I just want to say something to you,” the woman told him. “My granddaughter just got out of CHOC, Children’s Hospital in Orange County, and I want to thank you so much for the donation you gave.”
The audience applauded as she blew a kiss to Seacrest, but he made his way over to her, asking, “How’s she doing?”
“Much, much better,” she said, noting that her granddaughter had been hospitalized for three weeks. She then gasped, “Oh my god,” as she realized Seacrest was walking toward her. He asked for her granddaughter’s name, which she said was Anna.
As he approached her, Seacrest empathasized, “You’re a nervous wreck, right? When she’s in there? Because you can’t do anything about it.”
As she nodded, she said, “And I love the picture they have of you in the donation area, you know?” and he joked, “I’m six feet tall in that one!”
They then embraced as she said, “God bless you, thank you.” Seacrest replied, “Well, I’m glad she’s out of there and doing okay.”
Ryan Seacrest Built His 4th Seacrest Studios at CHOC in 2013
GettySeacrest’s family-run foundation opened its fourth Seacrest Studios location at CHOC in 2013, per a press release. The 700-foot space in Southern California includes includes “five guest microphones, production-quality video cameras and radio equipment, and a green screen that allows patients to participate in video projects.”
The studio hosts radio and TV shows, game shows, celebrity interviews and performances that patients can watch from their rooms or come down to view if they’re well enough. According to CHOC, celebrities who’ve visited in the past include late basketball great Kobe Bryant, Jennifer Garner, Lil Nas X, The Wanted, and sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner.
In a quote on CHOC’s website, Seacrest said, “When my family and I mapped out our location priorities for Seacrest Studios, CHOC was on our foundation’s short list. Their support has been tremendous, and I believe we’re all unified in our mission to help kids and their families cope with their time at the hospital in new, fun and interesting way.”
Ryan is a very special person. He seems to be everywhere! I love that he is doing this for the hospitals. I’m sure he’s cheered up lots of patients and their families. God Bless him.
Thank you Ryan for all you do. God Bless You!