Ronnie McDowell’s latest show came to an early end for a scary reason. The 75-year-old country singer was playing at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley, Pennsylvania, when things went awry.
McDowell’s tour manager told Nashville’s ABC affiliate that the singer was three or four songs into his June 21 set when he began to slur his words and started “not making sense.”
The scene prompted the tour manager to pause the show and bring McDowell off the stage, the outlet reported.
When the tour manager asked McDowell if he was OK, the singer said “No,” according to the outlet. McDowell further noted that he thought he might have had a stroke, the tour manager told the outlet.
The singer was on his way to a Reading, Pennsylvania, hospital for further examination when the outlet published their story.
Shortly thereafter, a Facebook post, which featured a photo of McDowell playing guitar, had a request for his followers and fans.
“Please keep Ronnie in your thoughts and prayers,” the post read. “The Family is updating on their personal platforms.”
Indeed, a post to his Instagram Story, McDowell’s son, Tyler Dean McDowell, shared a brief update.
“Thanks everyone, for the love. I’m heading to Pennsylvania now—I didn’t go with them on this run,” he wrote. “Seeing these headlines on social media is what I’ve always dreaded. It’s like a nightmare. Scans are in the morning. If praying’s your thing, I’d appreciate it.”
Ronnie McDowell’s Career
McDowell shot to fame in 1977 when he penned “The King Is Gone” following Elvis Presley’s death. To date, the track has sold more than five million copies.
McDowell released several hit songs in the years that followed including “Older Women,” “Watchin’ Girls Go By,” and “Personally.”
Throughout his career, McDowell worked with the likes of Conway Twitty, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Tammy Wynette.
Today, McDowell tours with his band. He also plays shows with Elvis Presley’s original sideman, D.J. Fontana, along with Ray Walker, a longtime member of The Jordanaires, staging a tribute to Elvis Presley’s music.
Photo by Erika Goldring/FilmMagic
