The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for Ronnie McDowell and his family. While 75 years old, the country singer continued to perform. Just last month, he took the stage at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley. Having played countless concerts over his career, McDowell expected just another show. But sadly, his health had other plans as he apparently suffered a stroke while on stage. Thankfully, his son, Ronnie McDowell Jr., was by his side. And with Ronnie Jr. keeping fans updated, it appeared that the country singer would need surgery.
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Since being taken to the hospital, Ronnie Jr. not only took care of his father, alongside their family, but also kept fans updated. Knowing how much the fans mattered to his father, he constantly posted updates on Facebook. And the latest one read, “Dad’s surgery date has been set for next Tuesday, July 22nd, at Vanderbilt. It is hitting me hard. He is the Best Dad that nay Son could ever ask for. We have traveled all over God’s Creation together and we will continue to do so once he gets through this. Please Pray for my incredibly awesome blessing of a Dad!”
[RELATED: Country Legend Continues To Perform as He Awaits Surgery After Onstage Stroke]
Ronnie Jr. Admits His “Nerves” Were “Shot” Over Ronnie McDowell’s Health Scare
With the post featuring an assortment of pictures, showcasing McDowell’s life through the years, fans showered the singer with love and support. Ronnie Jr. even added in the comment section, “Thank you all. I know dad is strong and will get through this, but it still has my nerves shot. I’ll feel much better once he’s over the surgery healed and back to normal. Then it’s vacation time and I will finally be able to breathe easy and relax.”
Looking back at the incident on stage, Ronnie Jr. still remembered knowing something wasn’t right with his dad. “I knew something wasn’t right as I had his vocals in my in ear monitor and I could hear him slurring his words and forgetting the words to his songs that he has sang for many years.”
Able to get him off the stage, Ronnie Jr. shared how his father sounded worried. “I took my dad off side stage to ask him how he was feeling. He told me that he wasn’t OK, and that’s not how my strong Dad talks. He said that he thought he might be having a stroke.”
With a long recovery ahead, Ronnie Jr. and the rest of the McDowell family are showcasing just how powerful family can be in trying times.
(Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Webster Public Relations)
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