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Mark Chesnutt was rushed to the hospital ahead of a scheduled performance in Louisiana, according to reports.
The country singer, 62, was preparing to open for the band Alabama at the Raising Cane’s River Center when he fell ill and had to be taken to the hospital on Thursday, Oct. 16, ABC affiliate WBRX News 2 reported.
Officials with the venue said Chesnutt was admitted to the hospital “for medical reasons,” but provided no additional details on his medical condition at the time, according to the outlet. Chesnutt’s band went ahead with the performance on Thursday despite his absence.
The “Brother Jukebox” hitmaker remained in the hospital on Friday, Oct. 17, undergoing tests for “low sodium count and extreme high blood pressure,” The Eastern New Mexico News reported, citing Tony Conway, the head of Chesnutt’s management team.
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Chesnutt was scheduled to perform at the One Portales Wine, Beer, and Music Festival in New Mexico on Saturday, Oct. 18. However, the show has since been canceled, Eastern New Mexico University announced.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mark Chesnutt will no longer be able to perform at the One Portales Wine, Beer, and Music Festival,” the university said in an update on Instagram Friday. “We unfortunately will have to cancel the event. Refunds will be emailed to all ticket buyers in the upcoming days.”
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Chesnutt’s hospitalization comes after he suffered a series of health issues in recent years.
In November 2023, the “It Sure Is Monday” singer shared with fans on Instagram that he would be taking some time off due to his “extreme health issues,” while stating that he would be back on the road the following year.
In June 2024, Chesnutt underwent emergency quadruple bypass surgery, which led him to cancel a series of shows, including his performance at Dauphin’s Countryfest.
Chesnutt returned to the stage in October 2024, after recovering from surgery, performing at the Songs and Stories of Dean Dillon concert in Alabama. He continued to play at shows in the following months, per his Instagram.
PEOPLE has reached out to Chesnutt’s management team and Raising Cane’s River Center for comment.
