She astonished (and worried) fans when she revealed last year that she had undergone a kidney transplant, but according to her friend Francia Raísa, a post-operation complication meant Selena Gomez 'could have died'.
Speaking to W magazine, Francia – who donated one of her kidneys to Selena due to the singer's systemic autoimmune disease, Lupus – explained how following the operation Selena had a 'complication'.
'A few hours after our surgery, I woke up and had a text from her that said, "I’m really scared."
'My kidney was very active, and when she turned, she broke an artery.
'They had to take her into emergency surgery and get a vein from her leg and build a new artery to keep my kidney in place.'
Francia added, 'She could have died'.
Following the procedure, Selene posted a picture to Instagram revealing what had happened and why she had kept herself out of the spotlight over the summer.
'I’m very aware some of my fans had noticed I was laying low for part of the summer and questioning why I wasn’t promoting my new music, which I was extremely proud of,' she wrote. 'So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering.'
'...there aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa,' she added. 'She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis.'
The songstress ended her post: 'Lupus continues to be very misunderstood but progress is being made. For more information regarding Lupus please go to the Lupus Research Alliance website: www.lupusresearch.org/ - by grace through faith.'
Since the operation, Selena has by and large been keeping a low profile. As for actress Francia, two weeks after the op she auditioned for a role in the (now) uber popular TV series Grown-ish – and got it.
'2018 I am just enjoying,' she says of today. 'The show is a hit. My health is good. I have a new home, I have an amazing new boyfriend that I met on set... Now I’m more motivated and inspired than ever.'
NOW READ: Selena Gomez Leads The Instagram Rich List
Selena Gomez Style - Best Dresses & Outfits
1 of 33lovers + friends Selena Gomez style
Selena Gomez In Lovers + Friends – The Alliance For Children's Rights' 21st Annual Dinner - March 2013
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Selena Gomez at the 2011 American Music Awards
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Selena Gomez at the Alison Brod Showroom in 2008
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Selena Gomez at the American Ballet Theatre 2014 Opening Night Spring Gala - May 12, 2014
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Selena Gomez at the 1st Annual Unite4
6 of 33Selena Gomez style black cut out dress billboard music awards
Selena Gomez at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards
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Selena Gomez at Flaunt magazine En Garde! issue launch party - November 7, 2013
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Selena Gomez at the 2009 Creative Arts Emmy Awards
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Selena Gomez visits SiriusXM Radio in 2011
10 of 33Selena Gomez style dolce and gabbana black dress
Selena Gomez in Dolce & Gabbana at Spring Breakers film premiere, Madrid
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Selena Gomez in Dolce & Gabbana at Spring Breakers 2013 SXSW Festival - March 2013
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Selena Gomez at the Justin Timberlake & Friends Concert 2010
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Selena Gomez at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards
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Selena Gomez at the 2011 Teen Choice Awards
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Selena Gomez in Gucci at 'Spring Breakers' film premiere, Paris
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Selena Gomez at the 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' premiere in 2007
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Selena Gomez at the 'High School Musical 3' LA premiere in 2008
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Selena Gomez in Julien Macdonald at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards
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Selena Gomez at the 'Kit Kittredge' LA Premiere in 2008
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Selena Gomez at the 2011 MTV European Music Awards
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Selena Gomez at the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
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Selena Gomez in Oscar de la Renta at 2013 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards - March 2013
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Selena Gomez at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards
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Selena Gomez at the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
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Selena Gomez at the Late Show With David Letterman
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Selena Gomez on 'The View' 2009
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Selena Gomez at the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
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Selena Gomez at the 2014 Vanity Fair Oscar Party - March 3, 2014
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Selena Gomez at the Venice Film Festival 2012
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Selena Gomez in Vera Wang at 'Getaway' LA Premiere - 26 August 2013
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Selena Gomez in Versace at 'Spring Breakers' film premiere, Berlin
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Selena Gomez in Versus Versace J.W. Anderson Collection at Late Show With David Letterman - 17 October 2013
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Selena Gomez at Hollywood Stands Up To Cancer Event - Tuesday, January 28, 2014