Country star Ronnie McDowell has recounted the harrowing moment he informed his son of a stroke during a live performance at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Pennsylvania earlier this summer. The incident, which happened on June 21, left the singer in a critical state, prompting his son and his tour manager to step in during the performance to assess his condition and ensure his well-being.
McDowell, who was performing on stage in Oley, Pennsylvania, began to experience symptoms that indicated a possible health emergency. He slurred his words mid-performance, prompting his son, Tyler, and the tour manager to halt the show. McDowell revealed in an interview with Town & Country that he told his son at that moment, ‘No, I think I’m having a stroke.’ The singer was then quickly taken to a nearby hospital, where he was confirmed to have suffered a stroke.
Upon arrival at the hospital, McDowell was informed by doctors that a blockage in his blood vessels had caused the stroke. The medical team informed him that the situation was not as dire as it could have been, thanks to the remarkably strong condition of his heart. According to McDowell, the doctors told him, ‘I’ve been doing this 30-something years. I listened to your heart, and you’ve got the strongest heart I have ever heard.’ The doctor explained that the power of his heart had helped push through the blockage, scraping the plaque off and saving his life.
Following the initial diagnosis, McDowell was told he could return home for the procedure, and the doctors determined that emergency surgery was not necessary. However, weeks after the incident, he underwent surgery to address the blockage. During the surgery, complications were encountered, with a hematoma forming due to the blood thinners he had been taking. McDowell recounted the experience, explaining that the doctor informed him, ‘We gotta put you back to sleep, because a hematoma formed and we’ve got to wash it out.’ The surgery was ultimately successful, although the recovery from the anesthesia was a challenging process. McDowell described the experience as ‘quite unbearable’ due to the swelling and discomfort, but he has since been making steady progress in his recovery.
McDowell’s son, Tyler, provided additional context about the complications, noting that the hematoma was a result of the blood thinners his father had been prescribed for his condition. After the surgery, McD, McDowell faced some setbacks during the recovery process, but he remained optimistic about his future. His gratitude for the support he received from his fans following the incident was evident, as he described the overwhelming amount of mail he received and how it showed the deep affection his audience had for him. This level of support was a significant factor in his motivation to recover and continue his career.
McDowell, who is now 75, has expressed a new appreciation for life after the health scare. He has reflected on the fragility of life and how quickly it can change, stating, ‘It makes you realize, every morning when we get up — you, me, every human — that we take for granted that all this stuff is just gonna work perfectly.’ He also emphasized the importance of being ‘fearfully but wonderfully made,’ a phrase that resonates with his personal experience and broader life lessons.
His musical legacy, which began in the 1970s with the release of ‘The King Is Gone’ in tribute to Elvis Presley, has continued to thrive over the decades. McDowell has a number of chart-topping songs that are still remembered and cherished by fans, including ‘I Love You, I Love You, I Love You,’ ‘Older Women,’ ‘You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation,’ ‘Watchin’ Girls Go By,’ ‘Personally,’ ‘You Made A Wanted Man Of Me,’ ‘All Tied Up,’ and ‘In A New York Minute.’ His contributions to the country music genre have left a lasting impact, and despite the health challenges he faces, his career remains a significant part of his life.
As he continues to recover from his stroke and the subsequent surgery, McDowell is focused on rebuilding his health and maintaining his place in the music industry. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of health awareness and the resilience of the human spirit, offering a message of hope and inspiration to those who have faced similar challenges.