Country music icon and comedy legend Ray Stevens is on the mend after suffering a heart attack over the Fourth of July weekend.
The 86-year-old “The Streak” singer was rushed to a Nashville hospital on Friday, July 4, after complaining of chest pain. According to a statement posted to his Instagram on Tuesday, July 8, Stevens underwent a successful heart catheterization procedure on Monday, July 7, after doctors confirmed he had experienced a mild heart attack.
“Ray is now recovering after undergoing minimally invasive heart surgery,” the statement read. “Performances at his CabaRay Showroom are understandably canceled through July 2025 while he takes time to heal.”
The Grammy-winning performer, whose real name is Harold Ray Ragsdale, had already been scaling back his music career. In early 2024, he announced he would be stepping away from regular live shows at his beloved CabaRay Showroom in Nashville by the end of the year. Still, he returned to the stage in May to promote his latest album Say Whut?, which was released in March.
Stevens is best known for his classic hits like “Everything Is Beautiful” and “Misty,” as well as a long list of fan-favorite novelty songs including “Gitarzan,” “Mississippi Squirrel Revival,” and “It’s Me Again, Margaret.” He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2019.
The longtime entertainer has continued to perform and record even after personal tragedy. He was married to his wife, Penny Jackson Ragsdale, for over 60 years until her passing in 2021 after a battle with cancer. The couple shared two daughters, Suzi and Timi.
Fans from around the world have flooded Stevens’ social media with well-wishes and prayers as he recovers.