This year hasn’t been the best for a few ailing country musicians. Not only have dozens of country artists passed away this year, but a few are dealing with some not-very-fun health problems. Let’s look at three country stars who are battling health issues in 2024 and wish them the best on their road to recovery!
1. Mark Chesnutt
Mark Chesnutt is a legend known for making waves with his country cover of Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”. Sadly, Chesnutt ran into some serious health issues earlier this year and is one of many country stars to take a break from touring to recover from surgery. Chesnutt revealed that he had to undergo “life-saving surgery” in June, specifically a quadruple bypass surgery. He had to put a pause on his current tour and just recently returned to the stage this September.
Videos by American Songwriter
Fortunately, Chesnutt is quite active on social media and has been providing fans with updates on his road to recovery. According to Chesnutt himself, he seems to be recovering quite well!
2. Carly Pearce
Carly Pearce has also had a rough go of it this year. The country-pop singer was diagnosed with pericarditis in May, which is a condition that affects the heart. On a recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Pearce said that she thought she was “dying” and experienced “crazy, crazy chest pain.”
As of September 2024, Pearce has said she is “working on it” and is doing her best to keep her heart rate under control. Despite the diagnosis, Pearce continues to perform—at a superb level might we add.
3. Colt Ford
Colt Ford’s health issues this year have been particularly worrying for fans of the “Back” singer. Ford actually died twice in 2024, and luckily was brought back by medical professionals both times. The health scare started on April 3 when Ford suffered a near-fatal heart attack while performing in Arizona.
Ford said he returned to his bus after the set and texted his fiancée before collapsing. He was rushed to the hospital and didn’t regain consciousness until April 10. Even though doctors have told Ford that he is not out of the woods yet, he has since returned to the stage in September 2024.
“Man, it has been a journey since this heart attack,” Ford said recently on Instagram. “And I’m so thankful for my wife, my family, my friends, my kids, everyone reaching out and supporting me, and thank you for all the birthday wishes.”
Photo by Rick Diamond
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
More The List
-
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 29: Elvis Costello performs at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 29, 1984. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 04: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Ella Langley performs during the 2026 CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium on June 04, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) -
Retro des concerts de Prince car il entame une tournée mondiale avec son album a Los Angeles, 1 janvier 1986. (Photo by Bill Marino/Sygma via Getty Images) -
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 29: Dolly Parton performs at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 29, 1990. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Photo by Peter Stubbs/Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix via Getty Images -
Brian Setzer performs on stage with The Brian Setzer Orchestra, Hollywood, United States, 1997. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images) -
Robert Palmer 1986 (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage) -
NEW YORK, NY – 1980: Guitarist Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, lounges in his New York City, New York, office during a 1980 portrait session. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)