Ronnie McDowell Home From Hospital After Suffering Mini-Stroke During Concert

Country Singer Ronnie McDowell Suffered A Medical Issue Onstage On June 21

Ronnie McDowell has returned home from the hospital after suffering a medical event onstage, which we now know was a mini-stroke.

The “Older Women” singer was performing at the Summer Solstice Music Festival in Oley, Pennsylvania, on Saturday (June 21) when things went wrong. His tour manager told WKRN he was “not making sense” and started slurring his words.

Ronnie only finished three or four songs before his tour manager cut the show short. When Ronnie’s tour manager asked if he was feeling alright, he said “no,” and asked if he had a stroke.

Ronnie was hospitalized following the medical episode. WKRN reported he was undergoing a series of tests at a hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania.

One of Ronnie’s sons, Tyler Dean McDowell, rushed to be by his dad’s side. He posted on his Instagram Story:

“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.”

Ronnie’s Son Confirms He Suffered A Mini-Stroke, Says He’s “In Good Spirits” Upon Discharge From Hospital

Thankfully, Tyler shared a more encouraging update on Monday (June 23). Writing on Facebook, he said he had Ronnie in the car and they were on their way home.

Another one of Ronnie’s sons, Ronnie Jr. (Ronnie Dean), shared a more detailed update on his Facebook page. Ronnie Dean said his father suffered a mini-stroke onstage during his performance.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a mini-stroke, more properly known as a transient ischemic attack, is defined as:

“A temporary blockage of blood flow to part of the brain, the spinal cord or the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye known as the retina. This blockage may cause brief stroke-like symptoms.”

TIA symptoms typically only last a few minutes, including numbness or muscle weakness, trouble speaking, dizziness, and double vision.

Ronnie Dean was at the concert when his dad suffered his mini-stroke. He recalled what happened in that moment, writing:

“He did suffer a mini stroke the other day on stage here in Pennsylvania. I knew something wasn’t right as I had his vocals in my in ear monitor and I could hear him slurring his words and forgetting the words to his songs that he has sang for many years. After a few minutes…I took my Dad off side stage to ask him how he was feeling. He told me that he wasn’t ok, and that’s not how my strong Dad talks, he said that he thought that he might be having a stroke. I immediately took him to the Sprinter for him to cool off. I asked the incredible promoter to bring over an EMT. He was incredibly helpful. He and I agreed that Dad was having a stroke by his actions. I immediately had our friend Diana call an ambulance.”

Thankfully, Ronnie is feeling better now. Ronnie Dean said he was “in good spirits” upon his release from the hospital. He wanted to eat at his favorite Italian restaurant afterward.

Ronnie Dean shared that his dad will need to undergo surgery in the next few weeks. While he has been told “to take it easy,” the doctors have cleared him to exercise and continue performing.

Ronnie Dean ended his post by writing, “Thank you Jesus for saving my Dad. You are Amazing.” Read his full update below.

We’re so relieved to hear that Ronnie McDowell is doing better now and will continue to pray for him as he awaits surgery.