Country Legend, 75, Rushed to Hospital After He Began Slurring His Words Mid-Concert originally appeared on Parade.
Country legend Ronnie McDowell, 75, has fans concerned after he stopped performing mid-concert when he began slurring his words.
According to Nashville radio station WKRN, McDowell was on stage at Pennsylvania’s Summer Solstice Music Festival on Saturday, June 21 when it became clear he wasn’t well. His tour manager said that he realized McDowell was “not making sense” three or four songs into his set, and when he spoke to the singer off stage, he said he thought he might have had a stroke.
McDowell was then transported to a hospital, where he appears to remain as of Monday, June 23.
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McDowell’s son, Tyler McDowell, has been keeping fans updated on his dad’s condition in posts on Facebook. The first came late on Saturday night, when he acknowledged fans’ concerns. On Sunday, he returned with a new post to share the latest.
“Just wanted to let everyone know — I made it to Pennsylvania,” he wrote. “Ronnie Dean & I are in the room with Dad. He’s talking to us, and we’re waiting to do the MRI. As soon as I know more, so will y’all.”
Another update followed hours later — this time, a positive one.
“Brought Dad some Popcorners and a Kombucha (snacks he likes). Ronnie Dean brought his comfy shoes, favorite brush, and Vietnam hat,” Tyler wrote. “Dad was very excited about all this—like a kid in a candy store.”
Best known for hits like “Older Women” and “The King Is Gone,” McDowell has had a storied career over the course of his career, which has spanned decades since he first broke into the music industry in the ’70s.
It’s good to hear that McDowell is in good spirits and surrounded by family during what must be a scary time.
Country Legend, 75, Rushed to Hospital After He Began Slurring His Words Mid-Concert first appeared on Parade on Jun 23, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
