Nicole Scherzinger honors mother’s heart health at AHA Red Dress Collection gala

Nicole Scherzinger shares her mother’s heart health journey at AHA Red Dress Collection gala in NYC

Nicole Scherzinger opened up about her mother’s survival of two strokes during the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Red Dress Collection Concert gala on January 29, 2026, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. 

The singer and Tony winner shared the story while performing at the annual event, which highlights women’s cardiac health.

“She has a mechanical heart,” Scherzinger said, referring to her mother’s medical history. She explained that her mother underwent a double valve replacement following a stroke in 2002, and a second stroke in 2020 required another aortic valve replacement. Scherzinger expressed gratitude for AHA’s work, noting her mother’s strength and longtime connection to the organization, where she worked for 15 years in Louisville, Kentucky.

Nicole Scherzinger gets emotional talking about her mom surviving two strokes at the American Heart Association’s Red Dress Collection Concert. pic.twitter.com/lHl820UTvA

— Variety (@Variety) January 30, 2026

The gala featured a celebrity fashion show with performances and appearances from Uzo Aduba, Christina Chang, Normani, Jane Seymour, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Chlöe Bailey, Amy Grant, and others. Grant shared her own experience with open-heart surgery and emphasized the importance of timely heart health awareness.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with stroke ranking as the fourth leading cause. The AHA notes that almost 80% of cardiovascular events can be prevented through education, healthy lifestyle choices, stress management, and proper sleep.

The event highlighted the importance of proactive heart health and education, with hosts like Laura Linney stressing the need to make cardiovascular care visible and personal. Guests included Susan Lucci, Star Jones, and ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Tara Narula, further underscoring the evening’s mission to promote women’s heart health.