Country singer Ronnie McDowell was taken to hospital on Saturday after experiencing a health scare during a performance in Pennsylvania. The 75-year-old musician began slurring his words and making little sense three to four songs into his set at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley.
His tour manager pulled him off stage and asked if he was feeling well; McDowell reportedly said no and expressed concern that he might be having a stroke. He was taken to a hospital in Reading for evaluation.
A message on McDowell's Facebook page asked fans to keep him in their thoughts, noting that family members were updating on their personal platforms. His son, Tyler McDowell, said on Instagram that he was travelling to Pennsylvania and described seeing headlines as a nightmare. He later wrote on Facebook that scans were scheduled for the morning and asked for prayers.
On Sunday, Tyler updated fans that he and his brother Ronnie Dean had arrived and were waiting for their father's MRI scan. He said McDowell was talking to them and assured followers he would share more information when available. In a lighter post, he noted bringing his father snacks and a favourite hat, which cheered him up.
McDowell is best known for his 1987 single "Older Women," which topped the country charts, and for his 1977 debut album 'The King Is Gone,' a tribute to Elvis Presley. He has released over 20 albums and achieved 11 top-10 hits.
