Katherine Heigl on Animal Advocacy, Self-Care, and Family
There was a long era when she was everywhere: Katherine Heigl’s six seasons on Grey’s Anatomy endeared her to the masses. After a rigorous span in the spotlight, including several hit movies, it can be natural for a professional to turn their focus to other goals, like family, new business challenges, and advocacy to make the world better.
Back in 2008, Emmy winner Heigl created a foundation alongside her mother in memory of Heigl’s late brother Jason, whose life was cut short at age 15 due to a 1986 car accident. Heigl and her mom, Nancy, honored Jason’s legacy with the goal to “celebrate the compassion, kindness and memory of a beloved son and brother,” the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation’s website explains. “Throughout his brief lifetime, Jason loved all animals, especially dogs, cats and monkeys, and he lived his life extending compassion and kindness to all creatures great and small.”
Since its inception, the nonprofit has saved more than 8,000 dogs from high-kill shelters. In 2022, Heigl expanded her mission with the launch of her premium dog food brand, Badlands Ranch, named after the Utah ranch she shares with her husband, singer Josh Kelley, their three children, and six dogs.
Heigl, 46, recently connected with The Healthy by Reader’s Digest to talk about how caring for the greater good feeds the soul.
This interview has been edited for length.
The Healthy by Reader’s Digest: Katherine, it’s the time of year we’re all trying to be extra intentional. Can you share how you keep yourself and your family healthy?
