Jenny Slatten, the 68-year-old star of 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way, and her husband Sumit Singh, 38, have revealed that Slatten has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The couple shared the news in an interview with People, detailing the timeline of symptoms and the moment that sparked concern.
Understanding ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and paralysis over time, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Initial Symptoms
The first symptoms appeared in December 2024, when Singh recalled that Slatten choked 'badly' on drinking water. After that, Slatten began suffering from migraines and had difficulty swallowing pills. Her speech then became affected, slowing down, and she started avoiding conversations.
'That's when we knew something was wrong,' Slatten said. The issue became more apparent during a trip to New York City for a 90 Day Fiance holiday party, where her speech continued to slow down.
Fan Concerns
An interview she did also sparked health concerns from fans. Singh initially suspected sleep deprivation, but a commenter raised the possibility of ALS, prompting him to research the disease. 'And then I find out that these symptoms she was having — this is what it looks like,' Singh said.
Slatten's father had died of ALS, a fact that dawned on them after the possibility came up. After returning to India and consulting multiple doctors, Slatten received the official diagnosis. The couple 'cried and held each other' upon learning the news.
Current Status
Slatten and Singh are now seeking treatments for the incurable illness. Doctors have told them that the progression is 'slow,' according to Singh. Slatten is currently in India and says she is well.
'I don't want to be treated any different,' she said. 'Let's just live our life as we have been while we can.'
Closer Than Ever
The ordeal has brought the couple even closer. 'Honestly, I never felt this much love, or I can love anyone this much,' Sumit told People. 'I used to … live for myself. But from [the] last so many years, I feel like doing [things] for someone who you love gives you happiness, I think that's what love is.'
'And we're happy that we're together,' Slatten added.
Background
Slatten and Singh were introduced to fans on the first season of 90 Day Fiance: The Other Way in 2019. They finally married in 2021 after three seasons of complications, with a Hindu-style wedding. The couple had been dating since 2013, but visa restrictions limited Slatten's stays in India to six months at a time until they wed.
In 2023, Slatten shared photos on Instagram from her life in India, captioned, 'We have each other and we're happy together who cares what anyone thinks.'
The couple will return to television on 90 Day: The Last Resort on June 1.
