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Country music icon rushed to hospital after frighteningly slurring his words mid-concert

The country music singer was reportedly slurring his words and “not making sense” during his show before being rushed to hospital.

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

The Older Women singer was performing at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley, Pennsylvania, on Saturday when his speech started to sound off, according to Nashville, Tennessee, 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, reports Page Six.

His manager reportedly pulled McDowell offstage to ask him if he was feeling all right — 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 (pictured here with Dolly Parton) was taken to hospital after appearing to slur during his set. Picture: Instagram
McDowell (pictured here with Dolly Parton) was taken to hospital after appearing to slur during his set. Picture: Instagram

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 on Sunday.

“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.”

The singer’s son shared an update for fans on social media. Picture: Instagram
The singer’s son shared an update for fans on social media. Picture: Instagram

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, favourite 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.”

His son described it as an “incredibly stressful” time. Picture: Instagram
His son described it as an “incredibly stressful” time. Picture: Instagram

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

“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.

This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Country music icon rushed to hospital after frighteningly slurring his words mid-concert

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/entertainment/music/country-music-icon-rushed-to-hospital-after-frighteningly-slurring-his-words-midconcert/news-story/c6adfccd3aadd5c0c4f2956ffb858373