Jamie Foxx, accompanied by his daughters, delivered an emotional and intense acceptance speech while receiving the Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards on Monday. The event marked a powerful comeback for Foxx, whose experience with a severe health crisis last year added heavy significance to the moment, drawing a strong response from the audience and spotlighting family bonds and resilience. The story of Jamie Foxx BET Awards emotional speech with daughters quickly became a focal point in entertainment news, resonating with viewers and fans alike.
A Personal Battle With Health and Gratitude
Foxx’s appearance at the award show was especially moving due to his well-publicized brush with death in 2023, when he suffered a brain bleed that led to a stroke. According to USA Today and revelations from his Netflix special, JAMIE FOXX: WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS…, Foxx had a sudden health collapse after complaining about a headache, resulting in weeks away from the spotlight for a difficult recovery. The intensity of his experience set the tone for his speech, filled with raw honesty.
Opening his speech, Foxx acknowledged his faith and survival, voicing the deep gratitude he felt for the support he received.
“Man, we used to take this thing for granted — that God is good,”
he said, setting an emotional foundation for what followed. —Jamie Foxx, Actor
He then turned to the audience to express his appreciation for their support.
“I cannot even begin to express the love that I feel from everybody out there.”
—Jamie Foxx, Actor
Reflecting on Loss and a Second Chance
The BET Awards included a segment remembering recently departed figures, pushing Foxx to reflect on his own near-fatal ordeal. With emotion heavy in his voice, he made it clear that seeing the memorial brought his own vulnerability into sharp focus.
“I got to be honest…When I saw that in memoriam, I was like, ‘Man, that could’ve been me,’”
Foxx admitted. —Jamie Foxx, Actor
He continued to examine the reason behind his survival, acknowledging the mystery and responsibility he feels.
“But I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but I know my second chance, I’m not going to turn it down.”
—Jamie Foxx, Actor
Foxx described a deal made in his darkest moments—if God granted him another opportunity, he would use it well. Speaking candidly, he said,
“I said, ‘Whatever reason you put this on me, I promise I’m [going to] do right. And I’m [going to] do right in front of y’all, because I know a lot of times, when we get on we forget about where we come from,”
Foxx explained. —Jamie Foxx, Actor
Family as the Cornerstone of Recovery
The heart of Foxx’s BET Awards appearance was, without question, his off-the-cuff tributes to the people who were instrumental during his recovery. He singled out his sister, Diedre Dixon, for her steadfast support when his life was at stake.
“When I went through what I was going through, she shut it down. And she made sure that she took care of her brother,”
he remembered. —Jamie Foxx, Actor
Foxx then turned his attention to his daughters, expressing deep pride and affection for both. Corinne, his eldest, was highlighted for taking charge when the situation grew critical.
“My beautiful daughter, Corinne, I cannot say enough about you. You’ve always taken a backseat to everything. But when you needed to drive it, you drove.”
—Jamie Foxx, Actor
His overwhelming emotion became evident as he acknowledged her role further.
“And you made sure I was here…At a certain point, I’m going to stop crying, but I’m not going to stop just yet,”
he said, appreciating her steady presence through turmoil. —Jamie Foxx, Actor
Foxx next addressed his younger daughter, Anelise Estelle Foxx, noting her uniqueness and beauty.
“My baby with the big hair. She hides under that hair because she got something special. You’re so beautiful, man,”
he said lovingly. —Jamie Foxx, Actor
The Power of Music and Faith During Crisis
Foxx shared intimate memories from his time in the hospital. As he battled for his life and his condition grew dire, a pivotal moment involved his daughter, Anelise, who brought her guitar to his bedside.
“When I was fighting for my life in there, I got to say this. They said, ‘We’re going to lose him because his vitals are bad.’ And I didn’t want my 14-year-old to see me like that,”
he revealed. —Jamie Foxx, Actor
Defying fear, Anelise entered his room with clarity of purpose. As Foxx recalled, his daughter said,
“I know what my Daddy needs.”
—Anelise Estelle Foxx, Daughter. While she played the guitar, the atmosphere shifted. Foxx realized the significance of the moment, crediting divine intervention.
“And as she played the guitar, my vitals dropped. And I realized that God was in that guitar.”
—Jamie Foxx, Actor
The hospital staff was surprised by the change, yet Foxx’s daughter insisted on her unique connection.
“And the nurses ran in and said, ‘What did they give him?’ My daughter said, ‘Shh, I’ve got him.’”
—Jamie Foxx, Actor
This moment reaffirmed Foxx’s faith.
“You know what I found out? It was God in that guitar,”
he declared, later calling it his “spiritual defibrillator.” —Jamie Foxx, Actor
With this spiritual clarity, Foxx asserted,
“God is good, and all the time God is good.”
—Jamie Foxx, Actor
Bringing Family on Stage and Facing the Future
The BET Awards audience witnessed a touching moment when Anelise walked onto the stage with her guitar, greeting her father with a warm embrace. This public display emphasized the depth of their relationship and the theme of support that ran through Foxx’s speech.
Foxx articulated the doubts many face about support during hard times, only to realize who truly stands by them.
“When you think about, as you grow older, you wonder about the hard times. Who’s going to be there? Who’s actually going to be there? I don’t have to wonder that anymore,”
he said. —Jamie Foxx, Actor
Broad Significance of Foxx’s Story
Jamie Foxx’s experience at the BET Awards became more than a celebrity acceptance speech; it highlighted the profound importance of family, enduring faith, and the gift of a second chance. With his daughters and sister visibly by his side, Foxx transformed a night of honors into a testament to survival, gratitude, and resilience. The intense reactions and charged expressions in Foxx’s words sparked discussions about the powerful impact of adversity and recovery on public figures. As the entertainment world continues to mention the Jamie Foxx BET Awards emotional speech with daughters, his story stands as a reminder of life’s fragility and the potential for renewal when surrounded by love and support.
