They didn’t know whether it might burst, but if it did, it might have been fatal in a matter of minutes,” the journalist shared of his son’s condition.

Paul was born with five congenital heart defects, and has undergone more than a dozen surgeries over the course of his life. The teenager had his first open-heart procedure as a newborn, then three more at 10 months old, 6 years old and 13 years old.

Bret Baier's 16-year-old son Paul, who was born with heart defects, is recovering after his fifth — and hopefully last — open-heart surgery.

Bret Baier ‘s 16-year-old son Paul underwent his fifth open-heart surgery last week, and the Fox News host has since expressed his gratitude as his son is now on the road to recovery. “Thanks to the amazing doctors and nurses at the hospital – Paul’s prognosis is great,” Bret wrote on X. “Thank you all for the prayers and support.”

Fox News host Bret Baier is counting his blessings as his 16-year-old son, Paul, recovers from open heart surgery. Paul underwent the procedure on Thursday, April 25, days after he went to the doctor for what seemed like a common cold.