Kathy Colace’s Brave Battle: Nikki & Brie Bella’s Mom Recovers from Brain Surgery After Tumor Discovery

The family of reality television stars Nikki and Brie Bella, widely known as the Bella Twins, faced an incredibly challenging period when their beloved mother, Kathy Colace, was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor. This alarming medical condition led to a paralyzing effect on her face, necessitating urgent and complex brain surgery. The news sent shockwaves through their fanbase, prompting an outpouring of prayers and support from the “Bella Army” and beyond. This article delves into Kathy’s arduous journey, the family’s emotional appeals, the successful surgical outcome, and a closer look at the woman who raised two of WWE’s most iconic figures.

UPDATE, July 1, 2020, 7:32 PM ET: In a heartwarming development that brought immense relief to her family and countless well-wishers, Kathy Colace underwent a highly successful brain surgery. Her daughter, Nikki Bella, shared the joyous news in an emotional Instagram post on June 30, detailing the extensive and delicate nature of the procedure. Nikki explained that the operation took significantly longer than anticipated, a testament to the surgeons’ meticulous efforts to ensure every trace of the tumor was removed. “It took a lot longer than expected, but it’s because the doctors wanted to really make sure that everything was taken out, because if we didn’t catch this, it could’ve actually been fatal,” Nikki candidly revealed in a subsequent video update. She also confirmed that Kathy would be spending “a few days” in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring and initial recovery, marking the crucial first steps in her healing process.

Echoing her twin sister’s sentiments and sharing in the collective relief, Brie Bella also took to her Instagram Story to update fans. In a joint video, the twins shared the wonderful news that their mother was now “able to start her journey of recovery.” They expressed profound gratitude for the thoughtful messages, prayers, and overwhelming support received from fans worldwide. This unified message from the Bella twins underscored the family’s strength and the powerful bond they share, especially during such a trying time. The successful surgery marked a pivotal turning point, transforming a period of intense anxiety into one of hopeful anticipation for Kathy’s complete recuperation.

UPDATE, June 30, 2020, 11:15 AM ET: Before the heartwarming news of a successful surgery emerged, the Bella family, along with their legions of fans, endured a period of profound uncertainty and worry. Kathy Colace’s battle with a brain tumor, which had progressively paralyzed her face, reached its critical point as she prepared for surgery on June 30. The severity of the situation was underscored by an emotional pre-surgery Instagram post from Nikki Bella. The former WWE superstar penned a heartfelt tribute to her mother, accompanying it with a carousel of precious family photos. “Our Mama Bella, our Gigi, our Gato is about to head into brain surgery,” Nikki began her poignant caption. “I ask for so many prayers, so much light and love sent her way. Sadly they found what you can compare to a tumor on her brain stem that has been paralyzing her face.” This raw and honest revelation brought the gravity of Kathy’s condition into sharp focus, highlighting the immense physical and emotional toll it had taken on her and the entire family.

In her message, Nikki expressed profound faith in the medical team, assuring fans that she believed “the amazing doctors will do an incredible job and our Gigi will be on the road to recovery starting late today.” The urgency of the situation was palpable, as was the family’s fervent hope for a swift and complete recovery. Nikki emphasized the widespread love for her mother, stating, “She’s loved by so many of us and just pray that her road to recovery is exactly what we are hoping for so we can put two new grand babies in her arms soon.” This plea resonated deeply, especially given that both Nikki and Brie were pregnant at the time, eagerly anticipating the arrival of their own children. The prospect of Kathy holding her new grandchildren provided a powerful motivation for healing, and Nikki’s closing words, “Love you SOOO much Mom! You have a big Bella Army out here praying for you!!” underscored the immense solidarity and support surrounding Kathy during this critical time.

ORIGINAL CONTEXT: Kathy Colace, a familiar face to fans of the reality series Total Bellas, has been a central figure in the lives of her daughters, Nikki Bella and Brie Bella, and an integral part of their televised journey since the show’s inception in 2016. While she has consistently featured as a recurring cast member, Season 5 brought her story to the forefront with a particularly poignant and complex storyline. This season saw Nikki and Brie embark on a deeply personal quest to reconnect with their biological father, Jon Garcia, who is Kathy’s ex-husband. This endeavor, undertaken largely without Kathy’s initial knowledge, created significant tension and emotional friction within the family. Kathy was understandably blindsided by the news that Brie and Jon had been spending time together behind her back, leading to powerful and dramatic moments that continued to unfold in the show’s episodes, including the April 16 episode. Beyond her recent health challenges, there’s much more to understand about Kathy Colace and her remarkable life.

1. Her tumultuous past with Jon Garcia spanned 15 years. Kathy Colace and Jon Garcia shared a 15-year relationship that resulted in three children: the beloved twins Nikki and Brie, and their son, JJ Garcia. However, as their children grew older, the relationship between Kathy and Jon became increasingly strained and, as revealed by the twins, deeply toxic. This turbulent environment left a lasting impression on Nikki and Brie, shaping their perceptions of relationships. During the emotional April 9 episode of Total Bellas, the sisters candidly reflected on the enduring impact of their parents’ difficult marriage. Nikki bravely admitted, “Seeing how my parents’ marriage was for 15 years, I thought love was a certain way — fighting, arguing and jealousy. That is not the case.” This revelation highlighted the profound lessons the Bella twins learned from their parents’ struggles, and their subsequent efforts to forge healthier relationships in their own lives, making their mother’s recent health scare even more poignant as they united to support her.

2. Kathy re-married in 2016 to a familiar face in the wrestling world. Following the conclusion of her relationship with Jon Garcia, Kathy Colace found love again and embarked on a new chapter of her life. She became engaged to John Laurinaitis in 2015 and they officially tied the knot in 2016. John, often affectionately referred to as “Johnny,” is a prominent figure in the professional wrestling community, known for his career as a retired wrestler and his current role as a senior producer for the WWE. His background in the world of sports entertainment made him a natural fit within the Bella family’s orbit. John also has a daughter, Maya, who is an aspiring model, from a previous relationship. Nikki Bella’s heartfelt Instagram post after Kathy’s surgery specifically thanked John Laurinaitis, calling him “her and our family’s rock,” and crediting him with helping them navigate the incredibly difficult period. This underscores not only his unwavering support for Kathy but also his integral role as a pillar of strength for the entire Bella family during their time of crisis.

3. Beyond her family life, Kathy is a successful executive recruiter in Phoenix. Demonstrating her multifaceted talents and ambition, Kathy Colace is a successful entrepreneur and business leader. Like her famous daughters, she resides in Phoenix, Arizona, where she has built an impressive career outside of the entertainment spotlight. Kathy is the Managing Partner at JBN & Associates, an executive recruiting firm that she founded in 1999. This entrepreneurial venture showcases her sharp business acumen and her dedication to her professional life. Her long-standing commitment to her company highlights a strong work ethic and a drive for success that undoubtedly influenced her children. This aspect of her life provides a powerful contrast to the emotional family drama often seen on Total Bellas, revealing a woman who is both a devoted mother and a highly accomplished professional in her own right.

4. Her philanthropic work extends to the Phoenix Suns organization. Kathy Colace’s commitment to her community is as significant as her professional achievements. She has a deep history of philanthropic involvement, particularly with the Phoenix Suns Charities Board. Since 2003, Kathy has dedicated her time and expertise to this organization, making a substantial impact on local initiatives. Her dedication to charitable causes culminated in her serving as the Board President for the 2014-2015 season, a testament to her leadership skills and profound commitment to making a difference. Furthermore, she also contributed her efforts to the board for the Suns Nites Hoops program, which uses basketball as a vehicle for youth development and community engagement. This extensive charitable work underscores Kathy’s compassionate nature and her desire to give back, further illustrating her admirable character and the values she instills in her family.

5. Kathy is a young and loving grandmother to three beautiful children. A particularly cherished role for Kathy Colace is that of a grandmother. Having given birth to Nikki and Brie when she was just 19 years old, Kathy is now 55 and enjoys the unique position of being a relatively young grandmother. She proudly embraces this role, doting on her three grandchildren. Her eldest grandchild is Brie’s daughter, Birdie, who is frequently featured on Total Bellas and in the twins’ social media posts. Additionally, Kathy is the loving “Gigi” to her son JJ Garcia’s two daughters, Vivienne and Alice. The joy and fulfillment she derives from her grandchildren are evident, and Nikki’s heartfelt wish for her mother to hold “two new grand babies” soon after her surgery underscored the profound importance of this role in Kathy’s life, and the family’s shared hope for her full recovery so she could continue to cherish these precious moments. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of family bonds and the hope that springs from overcoming adversity.