Health is at the core of the emotional and public spiral surrounding Mary Lou Retton. Once celebrated as America’s gymnastics sweetheart, the Olympic legend is now confronting serious personal battles, including a recent DUI arrest that has shocked fans and raised deep concern about her well-being. What’s more concerning? Mary Lou Retton is on oxygen—an indicator of serious ongoing medical issues. From her legal troubles to her current health crisis, financial status, and age, here’s everything you need to know.
H2: Health Challenges — Why Mary Lou Retton is on Oxygen
Mary Lou Retton’s health has been a growing concern since her severe battle with pneumonia in late 2023. This life-threatening illness left her hospitalized in the ICU and almost on life support. Although she survived the ordeal, she didn’t leave it unscathed. Retton’s lungs suffered lasting damage, leaving her dependent on supplemental oxygen.
Currently, she uses oxygen daily to support her breathing, particularly during stressful or physically demanding situations. The damage to her respiratory system is considered permanent, and she has admitted it will require lifelong management. Her reliance on oxygen highlights just how serious her health condition is and the uphill battle she faces every day.
H2: Mary Lou Retton DUI Arrest — What Happened?
In May 2025, Mary Lou Retton was arrested for driving under the influence in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia. Authorities were alerted after reports of erratic driving. When pulled over, she was found with an open container of alcohol in the vehicle and exhibited clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and unsteady movement.
Retton refused both a field sobriety test and a breathalyzer. During the interaction, it became evident that she was using a portable oxygen tank, raising immediate concerns about whether her health had contributed to her impaired state. The arrest marked a stunning moment for fans who had always viewed her as a role model of strength and discipline.
Following the arrest, she was charged with a misdemeanor DUI and later pleaded no contest. She received a small fine and was released on bond. Despite the legal resolution, the incident has significantly impacted her public image and brought serious questions about her mental and physical health to the forefront.
H2: Mary Lou Retton is on Oxygen — A Visible Reminder of Declining Health
The most striking part of her DUI arrest wasn’t just the legal infraction—it was the visual confirmation of her fragile condition. Bodycam footage from the arrest showed her adjusting her portable oxygen equipment during the police interaction. This wasn’t a behind-the-scenes medical note—it was a public display of vulnerability from a woman once known for her peak athleticism.
Her oxygen dependency is not temporary. It’s a daily necessity due to scarring in her lungs, and it’s one of the reasons why her arrest has raised not only legal concerns but deep sympathy from the public. For someone who once commanded the Olympic podium, this is a sobering chapter in her journey.
H2: Mary Lou Retton Net Worth — Financial Standing Post-Health Crisis
Mary Lou Retton’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million. While that figure may seem comfortable, her financial situation became a public topic of concern in 2023 when her family revealed she lacked health insurance during her ICU stay. A public fundraiser was launched and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to cover her medical expenses.
The discrepancy between her public image and her financial realities has sparked debate. She’s earned millions throughout her career via endorsements, speaking engagements, and television appearances. However, ongoing medical expenses, possible divorce settlements, and limited liquid assets may explain her reliance on public support.
Her story serves as a reminder that even household names can struggle with finances, especially when faced with long-term health challenges.
H2: Mary Lou Retton Age — Then and Now
Mary Lou Retton is currently 57 years old. Born in 1968, she rose to fame at just 16 when she won the all-around gold medal in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Her age today puts her in a demographic at higher risk for chronic health issues, especially after surviving severe pneumonia.
Over the years, Retton has undergone multiple surgeries, including hip replacements, and her physical condition has understandably deteriorated from her days as an elite gymnast. Age, combined with previous injuries and infections, has played a major role in her declining health.
Yet even at 57, she continues to show flashes of her Olympic resilience. She has become a grandmother, launched nonprofit initiatives, and maintained an active public presence—even if now, that visibility sometimes comes under less favorable circumstances.
H2: Public Reaction and Personal Accountability
The public response to Mary Lou Retton’s DUI arrest has been a mix of disappointment, sympathy, and support. Many fans feel heartbroken to see their childhood hero in such a vulnerable state. Others commend her for taking responsibility and showing humility during her legal process.
Retton has since issued a statement taking full accountability for her actions. She acknowledged her poor judgment and promised to take steps to improve her personal well-being and protect her legacy. Her transparency has earned her some grace, and many hope this is the beginning of a positive turn in her life.
Conclusion: Mary Lou Retton DUI Arrest and Health Crisis — A Legacy at a Crossroads
Mary Lou Retton’s DUI arrest has thrust her back into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, but it has also humanized an icon. Her health struggles, especially the fact that Mary Lou Retton is on oxygen, reveal a woman battling far more than just legal troubles. At 57 years old, with a modest net worth, Retton stands at a crossroads.
Her journey is now one of survival, accountability, and perhaps redemption. While her Olympic feats will forever define her greatness, her recent battles may come to symbolize something equally powerful—the courage to face personal flaws, health crises, and public judgment with honesty and grit.
Let her story be a reminder: even the strongest among us can fall—but it’s the getting back up that truly counts.