Country music legend Ronnie McDowell, 75, was hospitalized Saturday night after suffering an apparent medical emergency while performing at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley, Pennsylvania.
McDowell, known for hit songs “Older Women” and “You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation,” was three or four songs into his set when he began slurring his words and “not making sense,” according to his tour manager who spoke with Nashville radio station WKRN.
The tour manager pulled McDowell off the stage and asked if he felt okay. McDowell replied “No” and mentioned that he thought he might be having a stroke, according to the tour manager.
McDowell was taken to a hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he was still undergoing tests as of Sunday morning. The singer was conscious and talking with family members who had traveled to be with him.
His son, Tyler Dean McDowell, released a statement on Facebook addressing his father’s health scare. “Hey everyone—I know you’re all concerned. I promise—no one is more worried than I am,” Tyler wrote. “Please understand, this is an incredibly stressful time, and right now, my focus is on my Dad. If there’s anything that needs to be shared, I promise—we will.”
“If you can, pray,” Tyler added in his initial statement.
Tyler, who was not traveling with his father on this tour run, described seeing the headlines on social media as a nightmare scenario he had always dreaded.
“Thanks everyone, for the love,” he wrote on his Instagram Story. “I’m heading to Pennsylvania now — I didn’t go with them on this run. 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.”
The next day, Tyler provided an update to fans.
“Just wanted to let everyone know — I made it to Pennsylvania. Ronnie Dean & I are in the room with Dad,” Tyler wrote on Facebook. “He’s talking to us, and we’re waiting to do the MRI. As soon as I know more, so will y’all. Love Forever.”
In a later update, Tyler shared a lighter moment to provide some relief for concerned fans.
“Brought dad some Popcorners and a Kombucha (snacks he likes). Ronnie Dean brought his comfy shows, favorite brush, and Vietnam hat. Dad was very excited about all this — like a kid in a candy store. Figured y’all could use a lil’ levity,” he wrote.
McDowell’s career spans decades, with his breakthrough coming when he reached number one on the country charts with “Older Women.” He is also known for songs like “You’re Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation” and “Smokey Places.”
His first album was 1977’s “The King Is Gone,” a tribute to Elvis Presley released after the music legend’s death at age 42 that same year. McDowell has maintained a connection to Elvis throughout his career, having performed tribute shows and recorded Elvis-related material.
The singer has five children, including sons Tyler and Ronnie Jr., who are both musicians.