You can't keep a good man down. Just ask country legend Ronnie McDowell.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The singer hit both the country and pop charts in the late '70s with "The King Is Gone," his tribute to Elvis Presley. He recently posted an update on his condition for fans after suffering a stroke during his set at the Summer Solstice Festival in Oley, Pa., on June 21.
According to his son and tour manager, Ronnie McDowell, Jr., he began slurring his speech and "not making any sense." He was taken to a hospital in nearby Reading, PA., for treatment and released several days later.
Wearing a Vietnam Veteran bandana and walking down the road, McDowell confirmed on the video that he had a stroke.
Pointing to a spot on his neck, he said, "I gotta get all this plaque cleared out here of my jugular. But you know what? I'm walking. Yup. I'm doing my two-mile walk."
The upbeat post makes it clear that the stroke isn't slowing him down. McDowell has a full slate of shows in the coming weeks. He says he plans to return to the stage. More importantly, he can't wait to greet fans in the VIP section.
He ended the 24-second video with a big smile and a heartwarming message: "Love y'all!"
McDowell Jr., said in an update on Facebook on June 23 that his father "will need surgery in the next few weeks. They do want him to take it easy, but they said that he can perform and workout in the next few days. He was so happy about that."
Ronnie McDowell Isn't Going Anywhere
In addition to his tribute to The King of Rock and Roll, McDowell had several hits in the '80s. They include "Older Women," "You're Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation," and "All Tied Up." He recently collaborated with Dolly Parton and The Jordanaires, Presley's famous backup group, on "I Dreamed About Elvis" for her 'Rockstar' album.
According to the artist's website, McDowell has shows booked on July 11-12 at the Troubadour in Nashville. He then heads to Texas for a performance at Poor Richards in Plano on July 18. He'll then head to Bebo's Cafe in Pilot Point on July 19. Then, he returns to the Troubadour in Nashville on July 25-26.
