Ray Stevens Posts Health Update Several Months After Suffering Heart Attack

Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Stevens shared an update on his health several months after he suffered a heart attack.

Stevens, who turns 87 next month, “is pleased to share that his recovery from the heart attack he suffered in July is progressing very positively,” reads a statement posted to the Grammy-winning musician’s Facebook page on Tuesday (December 2). “He is doing well following the life-saving procedures that took place earlier this year. Stevens remains upbeat and active, now back working full-time in his recording studio as he regains strength and continues forward with confidence.”

Stevens said in a statement that he’s “trying to get strong enough to continue performing. But in the meantime, I’ve got a lot of work I want to do in the recording studio, so I intend to focus my attention there for now.”

Looking ahead, Stevens will release a new single, “Savannah,” on February 12. He also would “like to sell” his West Nashville Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom, a live music venue with a capacity of more than 700, which he opened in 2018. He’s hoping someone will call him to “make an offer I can understand and can’t refuse.”

“Though he is not currently committing to returning to live performance, Stevens remains optimistic and keeps the door open for the possibility as health and strength continue to build,” the statement concludes. “For now, fans can look forward to new music on the horizon, and Stevens himself is grateful to be back doing what he loves every day.”

The Clarkdale, Georgia-born artist— known as the Clown Prince of Country Music — “complained of chest pain” and was admitted to a local hospital in early July. A statement shared at that time confirmed “it was determined he’d suffered a mild heart attack.” Stevens had to cancel performances; however, his “minimally invasive heart surgery” was successful.