On Saturday, country legend Ronnie McDowell, who turned 75 back in March, took the stage at the Summer Solstice Music Festival for what seemed like just another performance. Over the years, the singer released hit songs like “Older Women” and even landed more than 30 songs on the Billboard country music charts. But during his performance, McDowell started to slur his words and even appeared disoriented. Taken to a nearby facility, it seemed that the singer suffered a stroke. With fans concerned for his health, McDowell’s son, Ronnie Jr., offered some promising news.
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Just a few days after being taken to the hospital, Ronnie Jr. shared an update on Facebook, suggesting his father didn’t suffer any long term damage. “Hello Friends…. My Dad is doing much better today. He went to the doctor yesterday and they are retrieving all of his records from the Reading Hospital. They will be setting up his surgery shortly. As of yesterday he was still showing some signs of the stroke but I spoke with his nurse and they said that it was completely normal. It could go away within a day or a few months, but there is no long term damage(Thank You Jesus).”
[RELATED: 75-Year-Old Country Legend Suffers Mini Stroke on Stage, To Undergo Surgery]
Ronnie McDowell Already Looking To Get Back To Performing
Ronnie Jr. also took a moment to thank the amazing staff at the hospital for keeping their spirits high. “Once again, from the security guards, the valets, ambulance emt’s and driver, the emt at the fetival, the nurses and doctors at the Reading Hospital, they were some of the nicest people that we could have ever encountered during this trying time….”
Knowing the impact McDowell had on country music, Ronnie Jr. also praised the entire industry, including his father’s fans, for their continued love and support. “I Can Not Thank Everyone Enough for reaching out to us in so many ways. All of the media coverage as well has been so unbelievable. One news outlet said that “Country Music came to a silent halt for a moment”…. I will keep you all updated as soon as I find out about his surgery.”
As for the future, McDowell wasn’t letting the medical emergency keep him from his fans. According to Ronnie Jr., the country star will be back to performing this week. “We will see some of you in Kentucky this week at his Concert in Dry Ridge.” He concluded, “Love you all from the bottom of my Heart & Soul and have a Very Blessed Day.”
While undergoing an MRI at the hospital, McDowell was released early Monday. But again, with the singer starting his road to recovery, he appeared in good hands as he was surrounded by love, support, family, and fans.
(Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
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