Perez Hilton is known as the celebrity blogger and podcaster who has been covering Hollywood’s biggest names since the early 2000s.

Just a day before, he was posting about concerns surrounding Ariana Grande. But Hilton’s own story began in South Florida.

Born Mario Lavandeira to Cuban parents, he grew up in Miami, attended Belen Jesuit, and went on to create one of the internet’s first celebrity gossip websites. At the height of its popularity, his site generated as many as 8 million page views in one day.

During a recent visit to NBC6, Hilton spoke about Taylor Swift’s wedding, his recent move back to Miami and what it’s been like returning to the city where he grew up.

“It’s wonderful, and I’m excited to rediscover Miami because it’s changed so much since I lived here in the last 30 years,” Hilton said.

In a separate interview on South Florida Live, Hilton revealed that a life-threatening health scare prompted the move.

“I had severe sepsis and landed in the hospital for 21 days, and I was back in the hospital for deep vein thrombosis,” he said.

Hilton has built a media empire over the past two decades, but his career has also been marked by controversy. He has faced criticism and lawsuits over what many viewed as bullying celebrities through his commentary.

Now, Hilton says fatherhood and a healthier lifestyle have changed both his outlook and the way he approaches his work.

“Life has its seasons, and I approach how and what I do now seriously as a journalist, but I’m very mindful of how I talk about this,” he said.

He says that transformation extended beyond his career.

“I was probably really miserable in many ways, and once I started finding that connection, a healthier life, I became a happier person,” Hilton said.

Hilton’s family is now asking for privacy and support as they focus on his health.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.