On Thursday evening, October 16, 2025, Mark Chesnutt, the icon behind songs like "Blame It on Texas" and "Bubba Shot the Jukebox," was taken to a hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for "medical reasons." WBRZ in Baton Rouge confirmed the story.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The singer was scheduled to perform as the opening act for the legendary group Alabama at the Raising Cane's River Center that evening. When Chesnutt could not perform, his band played in his place.
Mark Chesnutt Has Had a History of Health Issues
In November 2023, Chesnutt was hospitalized in a critical care unit for undisclosed reasons, which forced him to postpone several shows at that time.
The singer posted the following message on Facebook two weeks later:
"To my family, friends, fans and the country music community...
Many of you who know me well, know that I have been struggling with a battle that I've fought to overcome for many years on my own. Now after some extreme health issues I've recently experienced the time has come. The fight is over. I've made the decision, to take the time to get healthy. I'll be coming off the road for the next couple of months to concentrate on getting well.....to take care of me, my family and so that I can get back out on the road, to give back to ALL of you who have shown me unconditional support, care and love throughout my entire career.
I truly appreciate your heartfelt understanding in my commitment, and your sensitivity to my decision, and the privacy to allow me this time. I'll see you when I return to the road in February. Be good to one another. Stay well. God Bless."
Chesnutt's health struggles continued into June of 2024. It was then that Chesnutt revealed that he had undergone emergency quadruple bypass surgery for a "heart health issue."
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the cancellation of my upcoming shows," he wrote. "I send my love and gratitude to my family and friends, the band and fans for your understanding, prayers and support, and look forward to seeing you all again soon at a honky tonk near you."
Chesnutt Has Shows Scheduled Through November
No additional details on Chesnutt's condition have been released.
The "I'll Think of Something" artist has stops scheduled in New Mexico, Indiana, West Virginia, and Ohio through mid-November. Right now, there is no word yet on whether these shows need to be rescheduled, but you can check out his upcoming tour dates below:
Oct. 18: Portales, NM — One Portales Music, Beer, Wine & Peanut Festival
Oct. 22: Shipshewana, IN — Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
Oct. 23: Clarksburg, WV — Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center
Oct. 24: Princeton, WV — Chuck Mathena Center
Oct. 25: New Philadelphia, OH — Kent State Tuscarawas PAC
Nov. 7: Rocky Mount, VA — Harvester Performance Center
Nov. 8: Springfield, GA — Springfield Fall Festival
Nov. 9: Greeneville, TN — Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images
