Family members are posting hopeful updates after country music star Ronnie McDowell suffered an apparent medical episode while performing over the weekend in Pennsylvania.
McDowell, 75, was rushed to a hospital in Reading Saturday night from the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley, Pennsylvania, according to WKRN and posts by family members on social media.
The country crooner, a Vietnam veteran who grew up in Portland, Tennessee, was only a few songs into his set when he began slurring and mixing up his words, according to WKRN.
Since then, family members have been providing updates for fans on social media.
“Dad has been admitted for a possible stroke and they are doing a CT and an MRI,” said a repost to Facebook attributed to Ronnie Dean McDowell Jr. “Your continued prayers mean the world to us! The love and support has been truly heartwarming and we’re deeply thankful. Please know I’ll do my best to keep everyone updated during this challenging time, so please be patient, but keep the prayers coming!”
Tyler Dean McDowell and his brother, Ronnie Jr., have been at their father’s side during the ordeal. Tyler posted on Facebook that he gifted his dad with the elder’s favorite snacks, including Popcorners chips and Kombucha, fermented tea.
Ronnie brought his father’s comfortable shoes, favorite brush, and a Vietnam hat to the medical facility, Tyler said.
“Dad was very excited about all this — like a kid in a candy store,“ Tyler said on Facebook. ”Figured y’all could use a lil’ levity."
Family members are awaiting the results of testing, according to posts on social media.
Following the death of Elvis Presley in 1977, McDowell rose to stardom with the tribute song, “The King Is Gone.”
He went on to make hits for CBS Records – Epic Label, including “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.”
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