Country music fans were left concerned on Thursday evening as Mark Chesnutt, the Texas-born country singer, was rushed to a local hospital just before taking the stage.
The 62-year-old was set to open for the band Alabama at the Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when he suddenly fell ill.
Representatives from the venue confirmed that Chesnutt would not perform with his band that night, citing unspecified medical reasons.
For now, his upcoming tour dates across the United States remain on schedule.
Remembering a Country Music Icon
Chesnutt rose to fame in the 1990s with chart-topping hits including Brother Jukebox, I’ll Think Of Something, and It Sure Is Monday, all of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Over the years, he has built a reputation not only for his music but also for his resilience in the face of serious health challenges.
A History of Health Struggles
The singer has faced multiple health issues, including emergency heart surgery in June 2024.
In a candid interview earlier this year, Chesnutt shared that his heart problems were far from the first near-death experiences he had endured.
He revealed how chronic pain from a fractured spine, which led to major spinal surgery in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributed to a severe battle with alcoholism.
“I couldn’t work. I was laid up, didn’t drive, couldn’t walk, couldn’t do anything,” he told American Songwriter in April.
“I’d get up in the middle of the night and drink. I’d never stop.”
Confronting Life-Threatening Conditions
Chesnutt described how his drinking eventually led to hospitalization, multiple blood transfusions, and a diagnosis of esophageal varices caused by cirrhosis.
Doctors warned that he was experiencing multiple organ failure and that his heart was close to cardiac arrest.
“If my wife hadn’t called when she did, I probably wouldn’t have survived another two days,” he recalled.
Faced with a stark choice, Chesnutt knew he had to quit drinking.
He has been sober since November 1, 2023, a decision he credits with saving his life.
Returning to the Stage With the Redemption Tour
Despite his health setbacks, Chesnutt announced his Redemption Tour earlier this year, marking a triumphant return to performing.
He shared that improved diet, activity, and overall wellness have him feeling better than he did in his 30s.
“I’m excited about the whole process of going on the road. I have the energy I wish I had throughout the 90s,” he said.
Fans can still see Chesnutt perform at upcoming shows in Shipshewana, Indiana on October 22, Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 23, and New Philadelphia, Ohio on October 25.
A Story of Survival and Strength
Chesnutt’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of perseverance in the face of adversity.
From serious heart surgery to battling addiction, he has emerged stronger, ready to reconnect with his audience, and inspire fellow country music lovers across the United States.