Back on July 8, veteran country singer and '90s honky tonk great Mark Chesnutt cancelled a string of tour dates stretching from July 9 to Sept. 5. According to a press release, "The unfortunate circumstance arises as a result of severe back pain that ultimately moved Chesnutt to schedule unavoidable, immediate surgery, which will require a nine to 10-week recovery period."
The press release adds that the "Bubba Shot the Jukebox" singer performs an average of 100 concerts per year, and the William Morris Agency is working on rescheduling the impacted dates.
"I've been suffering with this for a very long time, and postponed as long as I could," said Chesnutt in a press release. "When the doctor says: 'you have no choice,' you have no choice! I hate to get off the road, just as the venues opened back up. I was really looking forward to this year! I appreciate the support and understanding from my fans, and I 'll see you all real soon."
Chesnutt updated fans on his condition on Monday (Aug. 16), revealing that both he and his Tracie recently tested positive for COVID-19.
"I am currently on the mend from my back surgery," Chesnutt tweeted. "But, while doing so my wife Tracie and I have tested positive for COVID-19! Thank you all for the continuous prayers."
Good news finally came in September, when Chesnutt's doctor gave the green light to resume touring later this month. Chesnutt paired the announcement with his next two tour dates: Oct. 1 at Route 92 in Youngsville, La. and Oct. 2 in Winnie, Texas.
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The 57-year-old native of Beaumont, Texas won the CMA's Horizon Award (now known as Best New Artist) in 1993. He's scored eight No. 1 hits: "Brother Jukebox," "I'll Think of Something," "It Sure is Monday," "Almost Goodbye," "I Just Wanted You to Know," "Gonna Get a Life," "It's a Little Too Late" and a cover of Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing."
