Country music icon rushed to hospital after slurring his words, ending concert early

7 hours ago 1

Country music star Ronnie McDowell was rushed to the hospital after slurring his words during his concert.

The “Older Women” singer was performing at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley, Penn., Saturday when his speech started to sound off, according to Nashville, Tenn., radio station WKRN.

His tour manager told the station that the 75-year-old musician was “not making sense” after getting through “three or four songs” on the setlist.

Ronnie McDowell (seen here in 2010) was hospitalized after his speech started to slur during his set at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Pennsylvania Saturday. FilmMagic
The country music icon got through nearly four songs before his manager pulled him off stage to see if he was OK. Ronnie McDowell/Facebook
McDowell (middle) told his manager he was nervous that he was having a stroke. Rick Diamond

His manager reportedly pulled McDowell offstage to ask him if he was feeling alright — to which the artist replied “No.”

McDowell thought he might be having a stroke, and his manager immediately took him to seek medical attention.

McDowell was reportedly still undergoing testing at a nearby hospital as of Sunday.

The “King is Gone” crooner’s son Tyler Dean McDowell updated fans in a statement on his Facebook Sunday.

The “King is Gone” artist went straight to the hospital for testing. Ronnie McDowell/Facebook
McDowell’s son updated fans on his father’s status. ronniemcdowellofficial/Instagram

Want more celebrity and pop culture news?

Start your day with Page Six Daily.

Thanks for signing up!

“Just wanted to let everyone know — I made it to Pennsylvania. Ronnie Dean & I are in the room with Dad,” Tyler said. “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.”

Hours later, Tyler gave fans a second update, sharing that he and his family are making his father as comfortable as possible amid the health scare.

“Brought dad some Popcorners and a Kombucha (snacks he likes),” he shared. “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.”

Tyler asked for privacy in a separate post, though he understands fans are “concerned” about his father.

“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,” his son said of his dad. Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
McDowell (seen here in 1970) had his family by his side Sunday. Michael Ochs Archives

“I know you’re all concerned. I promise—no one is more worried than I am,” he said in a June 21 Facebook post. “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.”

He then added, “If you can, pray.”

Ronnie’s rep did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.

Read Entire Article