Country music star Keith Whitley died tragically at the age of 34 in 1989 from alcohol intoxication. (He was married to another country music fan favorite, Lorrie Morgan.) His son, Jesse Keith Whitley, 38, recently had a major health scare that made him reconsider the choices he was making and commit to being sober.
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In an emotional Facebook post dated December 28, Whitley wrote about what he endured. It was enough to shake him up and wake him up as well. That frightening stint in the hospital served as an epiphany of sorts to get him on the right path.
He definitely did not want to have a similar fate like his dad's. Keith Whitley had an enormous talent and a gift for music. That he died so young was an awful loss for so many, especially his family.
What Whitley Posted About His Ordeal
It seems like Whitley was undergoing spiritual and physical anguish that was at the limit of his capacity to bear. He wrote searchingly, "A month ago today I was in a pretty rough spot health wise and faith wise...I was literally bed ridden for a solid 7 maybe 8 days. I was in the worst pain of my life. When I tell you that I mean it, I consider myself to have a pretty high pain tolerance, this was the worst thing I have ever experienced...I said out loud "God help me back on the your road and I will never stray from you again."
He was compelled to examine his life through a lens of ruthless honesty and truthfulness. Whitley then felt empowered to get back on his feet and he feels really good about his journey. He quite frankly acknowledged, "Here we are a month later, my faith is stronger than ever, my health is rock solid, my foundation at home is better; Back in the gym. SOBER! I feel fantastic waking up in the mornings not hurting or Looking for the fix that afternoon."
Whitley also credits his faith for pulling him up from despair and weakness. He certainly sounds like a dramatically changed man.
Fans Were Deeply Moved by Whitley's Story
Many wrote posts on social media congratulating Whitley and sharing their own harrowing stories of battles with the bottle. Some have family members who have painfully struggled with alcoholism. Jesse Keith Whitley obviously struck a chord with the public.
One simply wrote, "I love reading this."
From another came, "Someone once told me, "Sometimes God has to pull out the big stick to make sure you listen."
One person commented, "I am the daughter of alcoholic parents..the struggle and pain is real. I am very proud of you!...."
Shared somebody else, "My husband has been sober for 7 years...."
