Patricia Heaton Reveals Sobering Moment That Led Her to Quit Drinking Nearly a Decade Ago

Patricia Heaton has opened up about the experience that led her to stop drinking nearly a decade ago.

The “Everybody Loves Raymond” star, 68, said she began drinking more frequently after her children left home and she was not working. What started as a glass of wine while cooking gradually became several drinks throughout the evening.

“One night I realized I had almost finished an entire bottle by myself,” Heaton told Woman’s World.

Concerned about her changing behavior, Heaton said she prayed for help quitting alcohol. The following night, while spending time with her sons and their friends, she struggled to pronounce the word “tradition.” Her son joked about the incident, but Heaton said she was “completely mortified.”

“The next morning I said, ‘Okay, God. Message received,’” she recalled. “That was eight years ago.”

Heaton now promotes Solubrae, an alcohol-removed wine brand. She has also spoken publicly about embracing her natural gray hair, saying she has chosen to stop using boxed hair dye and focus on accepting herself as she is.

“The people in my life love me no matter what color my hair is,” she said.