Selena Gomez says best friend 'saved my life'

Selena Gomez has given an update on her health and praised her best friend for saving her life after she underwent a kidney transplant last month.

In an interview with US morning show Today, the 25-year-old singer and actress said she owed her bestie, Francia Raísa, her life after the 29-year-old donated one of her kidneys to Selena.

"As soon as I got the kidney transplant, my arthritis went away. My lupus there’s about a 3-5% chance it’ll ever come back," Selena told the program.

"My blood pressure is better, my energy, my life has been better."

At one point Selena breaks down as she recounts how her BFF's selfless action has helped saved her life.

"You feel that Francia saved your life?" Today host Savannah Guthrie asks.

"Because she did. That's it," Selena responded, before tearily adding: "I guess I got to the point where it was really, kind of, life or death."

• Selena Gomez undergoes kidney transplant

• Meet Selena Gomez's kidney donor

Last month Selena wrote on Instagram: "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.

"So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering. It was what I needed to do for my overall health," she continued, with a photo attached of her and Francia.

"I honestly look forward to sharing with you, soon my journey through these past several months as I have always wanted to do with you. Until then I want to publicly thank my family and incredible team of doctors for everything they have done for me prior to and post-surgery," she added.

"And finally, there aren’t words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa. She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed.

"I love you so much sis. Lupus continues to be very misunderstood but progress is being made."

In the accompanying photo, Selena can be seen holding Francia's hand as they lay in adjacent hospital beds.

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