Ray Stevens Suffers Heart Attack at 86: Country Legend Shares Health Update and Future Plans

Ray Stevens Suffers Heart Attack at 86: Country Legend Shares Health Update and Future Plans

Country music legend Ray Stevens is currently recovering after suffering a minor heart attack on July 4, 2025, at the age of 86. The iconic singer-songwriter was hospitalized in Nashville, where he underwent a successful heart catheterization surgery on July 7. Doctors confirmed that the procedure was minimally invasive, and his post-operative recovery has been progressing steadily.

Shortly after surgery, Stevens was moved out of the ICU and began walking with the assistance of nurses. Sources close to the family say he is in good spirits and showing strong signs of improvement, giving hope to fans who were shaken by the news.

As a result of the health scare, all upcoming performances at his CabaRay Showroom in West Nashville were postponed through the end of July. The decision was made to give Stevens time to rest and prioritize his recovery. Ticket holders have been offered refunds or credits for future shows, depending on availability and rescheduling.

Despite the unexpected setback, Ray Stevens made it clear that he is not retiring. While he plans to scale back live appearances, he remains fully committed to his craft. In a personal message, Stevens shared that he intends to return to the studio to work on new music and video projects, continuing the creative energy that has fueled his remarkable six-decade career.

In a significant decision, Stevens also announced that he will be selling the CabaRay Showroom, the beloved venue he opened in 2018 and has since turned into a cornerstone of his late-career legacy. “It’s probably time,” he admitted. “I’ve loved every moment at CabaRay, but my body is telling me to slow down.”

Over the course of his long and celebrated career, Ray Stevens has become a household name in American music, blending comedy, storytelling, and heartfelt ballads into an unforgettable catalog. With classics like “Everything Is Beautiful,” “The Streak,” and “Misty,” he has touched the hearts of millions, earning Grammy Awards and a rightful place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

His recent health event is a reminder of his age, but also of his incredible resilience. As he continues to recover, an outpouring of love and well-wishes from fans and fellow artists has shown just how deeply admired and cherished he remains.

Though the curtain may be coming down on his time at CabaRay, Ray Stevens is far from done. The music will go on—and so will the man behind it.

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