Country artist Mark Chestnutt is currently hospitalized in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, following his admission on the morning of October 26, 2023. The singer-songwriter was scheduled to perform as the opening act for the well-known country band Alabama at the Raising Cane’s River Center Arena later that evening.
Chestnutt’s band, the New South Band, proceeded with the performance, featuring another band member taking over vocal duties. According to his publicist, Don Murry Grubbs, Chestnutt is undergoing tests to address concerns regarding a low-sodium count and significantly elevated blood pressure.
Concert-goers were informed of the situation through a notice posted at the venue. Alysia Guin, director of marketing and partnerships at the River Center, stated, “Mark Chestnutt has been admitted to a local hospital for medical reasons. Fortunately, Mark Chestnutt’s band will perform in his place at 7 p.m. Thank you, Alabama.”
The situation has led to the cancellation of Chestnutt’s scheduled performance on October 28, 2023, in Portales, New Mexico. Grubbs expressed Chestnutt’s regret, stating, “Mark wants to apologize to the fans who came to see him last night and also to those who had planned to see him tomorrow in New Mexico. He hopes to be back in both cities in the very near future.”
This is not the first health challenge faced by the 62-year-old artist. In June 2024, he was forced to cancel multiple shows after undergoing emergency quadruple bypass surgery. Chestnutt is renowned for his hit songs such as “Bubba Shot the Jukebox,” “Brother Jukebox,” “Too Cold at Home,” “It’s a Little Too Late,” and “Blame It on Texas.”
Fans and fellow musicians alike are hoping for a swift recovery for Chestnutt, who has made significant contributions to the country music genre over the years. The impact of his absence is felt not only by his immediate audience but also by the broader music community. As updates on his condition emerge, many await news of his return to the stage.
