Country Icon Ronnie McDowell Rushed To Hospital After Becoming Disoriented Mid-Set

Country music icon Ronnie McDowell was rushed to a Pennsylvania hospital after suffering a medical emergency during a live performance that left him slurring his words and unable to continue.

The 75-year-old legend, best known for hits like "Older Women" and "You're Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation," was just a few songs into his set at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley, Pennsylvania, when he reportedly became disoriented.

According to local news, Ronnie McDowell was "not making sense," prompting the crew to escort him offstage as he expressed concern he may be having a stroke.

As of Sunday morning, McDowell was undergoing tests at a hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania, per Nashville's WKRN. No further updates have been made public, though fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to send their well wishes.

A post on McDowell's official Facebook page featured a photo of the singer with his acoustic guitar and a heartfelt message, "Please keep Ronnie in your thoughts and prayers. The Family is updating on their personal platforms."

His son, country singer Tyler Dean McDowell, also spoke out in an emotional Instagram Stories, writing, "Thanks everyone, for the love. I'm heading to Pennsylvania now. I didn't go with them on this run. Seeing these headlines on social media is what I've always dreaded. It's like a nightmare. Scans are in the morning. If praying's your thing, I'd appreciate it."

In a follow-up post, he shared, "2nd update: Brought Dad some Popcorners and a Kombucha (snacks he likes). Ronnie Dean brought his comfy shoes, favorite brush, and Vietnam hat."

"Dad was very excited about all this, like a kid in a candy store," he added. "Figured y'all could use a lil' levity."

However, the best news came in a third social media post, where Tyler revealed that he was driving his father home.

"I have Dad in the car and we are on our way home!" he wrote.

With a career spanning nearly five decades, McDowell remains a towering figure in the country music world. He's released more than 20 studio albums and boasts multiple chart-topping hits. In addition to his two No. 1 singles, 11 more of his songs cracked the top 10.

A longtime Elvis Presley devotee, McDowell famously recorded the 1977 tribute track "The King Is Gone" following Presley's death. The song became his first major country hit and only pop crossover, selling over five million copies and earning a gold certification.

McDowell's love for Elvis remained central to his career.

In 2023, he joined forces with Dolly Parton on her "Rockstar" album, appearing on the track "I Dreamed About Elvis" alongside the legendary Jordanaires. The collaboration further cemented his legacy as one of the genre's most cherished voices.

"When I was growing up in Portland, I was a huge Beatles fan. I never dreamed I would be on an album with Paul McCartney, and when Dolly and I did the duet together, how could I have imagined being a part of her new Rockstar project with her and all the other iconic singers and musicians. It's one of the coolest things that's ever happened to me," McDowell said at the time.

Parton explained McDowell's involvement during an interview with BBC Radio 2, "He actually used to work on the road with Elvis, but he sounds just like him. So I wrote a song, and I dreamed that Elvis was singing 'I Will Always Love You.' So I wrote a whole song about Elvis… and it's on the album."

Dolly also took to her website, sharing, "I'm so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album, 'Rockstar.' I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all-time and to be able to sing all. The iconic songs through the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I've enjoyed putting it together."

As fans await further news about McDowell's condition, the outpouring of support online reflects just how deeply the singer's work and heart have resonated through the years.