At the age of 86, Ray Stevens has truly earned the designation "legend." His achievements in music are numerous and notable. Per American Songwriter, he is ensconced in no less than four Halls of Fame. He is also a Grammy recipient. His famous songs include the upbeat, catchy "Everything is Beautiful,' "Misty," and "Gitarzan." Per Stevens' Country Music Hall of Fame bio, he is amazingly versatile. He's a skilled "singer, songwriter, session musician, arranger, producer, music publisher, TV star, and real estate developer." Plus being fabulously, wickedly witty. Stevens' fans had a scare recently when he scrubbed a bunch of performances due to a health issue, namely, a heart attack.
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Ray Stevens Developed Chest Pains On The July 4th Holiday
Stevens headed to a hospital when he felt unwell on Friday, July 4. Per the outlet, "It wasn't long after that that doctors informed the famed singer that he had suffered a heart attack. After being admitted, doctors moved quickly to address the situation." Surgery was performed on the distinguished singer on Monday, July 7.
As a result of his medical problem, all of Stevens' concerts that were slated for this month have been canceled. His future professional plans are reportedly uncertain at this point.
He Was Planning To Publicize His New Comedy LP
Stevens, who was born Harold Ray Ragsdale in Clarkdale, Georgia, had been intending to retire last year. But it seems like he's not quite ready yet to put aside his mic or quit the recording studio. He had planned to get the word out about his new comedy LP, Ray Stevens....Say Whut?, this summer. That schedule will now apparently have to be rethought in light of his recent health setback.
Stevens Has Dealt With Other Significant Personal Challenges
His beloved wife, Penny Jackson Ragsdale, passed away on December 31, 2021. She died of cancer at the age of 78. The two had been married for over 60 years. They were the proud parents of two daughters, Timi and Suzi, and grandparents of four. Following his wife's death, according to the outlet, "Heartbroken over losing his partner, Stevens decided to sell their Nashville home."
