Country singer Mark Chesnutt recovers after emergency heart surgery and cancels upcoming performances

Country music star Mark Chesnutt is on the road to recovery after undergoing emergency heart surgery.

“Mark Chesnutt, one of the most recognizable voices of country music of the ’90s and a honky-tonk fixture for more than three decades, experienced a heart issue over the weekend that required him to be hospitalized on Sunday evening, June 16,” read a Wednesday, June 19, post on Chesnutt’s Instagram. “Mark had to undergo emergency bypass surgery.”

The statement also noted that Chesnutt will be canceling his show dates to recover. “Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time of recovery,” the statement concluded.

The post also included a message from Chesnutt. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the cancellation of my upcoming shows,” he wrote. “I send my love and gratitude to my family and friends, the band and the fans for your understanding, prayers and support and look forward to seeing you all again soon at a honky-tonk near you.”

Celebrity health scares over the years

Chesnutt – known for songs such as “Blame It On Texas” and “Brother Jukebox” – was scheduled to take the stage in Lake Charles, Louisiana on Friday, June 21, and was also preparing for a performance at Dauphins Countryfest 2024 in Canada on June 30.

“Dauphin’s Countryfest is extremely saddened by the news that Mark Chesnutt will not be on our stage this summer. We continue to send healing vibes to Mark and his family during his recovery,” the festival wrote in an Instagram statement on Wednesday, adding that it is working on adding another act to its lineup.

Chesnutt’s health scare came months after the country singer revealed he had been experiencing “extreme health issues.”

“To my family, friends, fans and the country music community,” he began in an Instagram post in November. “Many of you who know me well know that I am fighting a battle that I have tried to overcome on my own for many years. After some extreme health issues that I have recently experienced, the time has come. The battle is over.”

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He continued, “I have made the decision to take the time to get healthy. I will be off tour for the next few months to focus on my recovery… to provide for myself and my family, and to be able to get back on the road to give back to ALL of you who have given me unconditional support, care, and love throughout my career.”

Chesnutt concluded by saying he appreciated his fans’ “genuine understanding of my commitment, their sensitivity to my decision and the privacy they granted me this time.”

“See you when I’m back on tour in February,” he concluded. “Be kind to each other. Stay healthy. God bless.”