Ty Pennington Opens Up About Hosting ‘Skills Jam,’ Surviving A Health Emergency & Turning 60

Ty Pennington is sharing his wisdom with the next generation as part of his latest gig! The HGTV personality spoke to Access Hollywood about his new role as host and mentor of the YouTube series “Skills Jam: Champions League,” which showcases the trade talents of teens from across the country facing off in the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference. Ty spoke about what inspired him to take part in the series, what he sees of himself in the teens and what he learned from him through the competition. Then, the TV personality reflected on undergoing an emergency surgery to remove a life-threatening abscess in this throat last summer and shared the wisdom he took away from the scary experience. Ty also shed light on his milestone 60th birthday this year and his nearly three years of marriage with wife Kellee Merrell. The premiere episode of “Skills Jam: Champions League” is available now on Skills Jam’s YouTube channel.