Country Star Gretchen Wilson Details Shocking Wedding Injury That Left Her Unable To Walk

Gretchen Wilson is opening up about a devastating injury that nearly derailed her career, and the hard-fought comeback that followed.

The “Redneck Woman” singer recently revealed that she spent months in a wheelchair after a freak accident at a beach wedding left her leg shattered.

In a candid interview, Gretchen Wilson recalled the moment that changed everything.

“We were at a wedding reception, and it was on the beach,” she explained on "Taste of Country Nights with Evan Paul."

“They had thrown one of those Astroturf carpeting things over the sand. I was circle dancing with a six-year-old boy to ‘Ring Around the Rosie,’ and doing the spin at 100 mph when my ankle twisted in one of the holes. It was ugly.”

Wilson didn’t sugarcoat the severity of the injury.

“You seen those videos online with the foot hanging the wrong way? It was one of those. Once I went down, I did not get back up,” she said. The fall shattered her leg, leaving her unable to walk for months. “It took nine months before I could even put pressure on that foot.”

At one point, Wilson feared she’d never return to performing. “I was injured. I was in a wheelchair,” she said. “And there was a moment where I didn’t think I’d ever get back to this place.”

But her story didn’t end there.

After months of recovery, prayer, and perseverance, Wilson made a triumphant return to the spotlight, and she credits "The Masked Singer" for giving her the boost she needed. After winning the hit competition show, she called it the comeback she’d been waiting for.

“It was hard work. It was really good for me, and I proved a lot to myself,” she said of the experience. “This opportunity has really proven to me that there's nothing I can't do.”

While she was the final contestant to be unmasked, she thought for sure that she would have been the second.

“I was absolutely positive that Boogie won," she said of the runner-up, who was revealed to be Andy Grammer. "I thought he was just the most amazing singer. In my head, he had won it weeks before. I was so stunned because I had myself ready to hear that I was second place. I was so ready for it, I had already decided that that's what it should be in my head."

Just weeks after her exciting "Masked Singer" win, Wilson revealed she’ll be hitting the high seas in 2026 for a star-studded country music cruise alongside Tracy Lawrence, Jo Dee Messina, and Chase Rice.

The experience onboard promises to be just as impressive as the star-studded lineup. Guests sailing on the Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity’s newest Solstice Class ship, will be surrounded by the spirit of country music from the moment they step aboard, with non-stop energy and entertainment from morning to night.

Each day brings a new wave of unforgettable performances, ranging from up-close acoustic sets with iconic artists to lively concerts under the stars on the Pool Deck.

From themed parties and sing-alongs to meet-and-greets with fan-favorite stars, the cruise delivers something special for every country music lover. In addition to the music, passengers can enjoy luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and a range of onboard activities, all set against breathtaking ocean views.

Fans can also catch her live at several upcoming tour dates, now listed on her official website.

Wilson first shot to fame in 2004 with her breakout hit “Redneck Woman,” and her debut album went on to become certified 5x platinum. But her career hasn’t been without its hurdles.

In 2008, Wilson was involved in a legal dispute with rock band The Black Crowes, who alleged that her song “Work Hard, Play Harder” copied elements from their 1990 hit “Jealous Again.” The lawsuit was settled out of court, with songwriting credit ultimately given to Chris and Rich Robinson of the band.

A decade later, in 2018, Wilson made headlines again when she was arrested following a disturbance on a commercial flight. Authorities described her behavior as “belligerent” toward another passenger, but charges were later dropped, with the singer opting to make a charitable donation instead.

Now, after a rough few years and a painful detour, she’s ready to reclaim the stage, stronger and more determined than ever.