‘90s Country Legend, 62, Abruptly Ends Concert Early Due to ‘Sudden Illness’
- - ‘90s Country Legend, 62, Abruptly Ends Concert Early Due to ‘Sudden Illness’
Melinda LorgeFebruary 16, 2026 at 4:17 AM
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Mark Chesnutt was forced to leave the stage mid-performance during a recent concert due to illness, according to Taste of Country.
On Thursday, Feb. 12, the country music legend and key figure of the neotraditionalist movement was performing at the Oxford Performing Arts Center in Oxford, Ala., when he abruptly cut his show early, leaving the rest of the band perplexed. Despite the health scare, the “Brother Jukebox” singer’s publicist has released a statement revealing the country star’s illness is nothing major.
"Mark has been fighting off a sinus infection. It was affecting his voice, and he wasn't able to continue the show," the publicist said, per the outlet. "He should be good to go soon."
The music venue where Chesnutt was performing his set also released a statement on its official Facebook page, letting folks know that they hope the concert can be rescheduled in the near future.
“Due to a sudden illness, the artist was unable to complete tonight’s performance,” the statement reads. “We are hopeful to reschedule the concert and share a new date soon.”
Those who purchased tickets to the show were also told, “All current ticket holders will be contacted with additional details. Those who are unable to attend the rescheduled performance will have the option to receive a full refund.”
“We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding,” the Facebook post continued. “Situations like this are extremely rare at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, and we are grateful for the kindness shown by our patrons this evening. More information will be sent directly to ticket holders soon. Thank you!”
Mark Chesnutt Has Faced Some Health-Related Issues Over the Past Few Years
The troubling news follows a series of health challenges Chesnutt has faced in recent years. Most recently, he was forced to miss an October 2025 performance and was instead hospitalized in Alabama for a medical issue later attributed to low sodium levels and severely elevated blood pressure.
Before that, the two-time CMA Award winner underwent quadruple bypass surgery for a “heart health issue.” In 2023, he had to have back surgery for a fractured spine.
The Country Singer Postponed Two Additional Shows
In addition to his mid-show exit, Chesnutt postponed two more performances. Those were supposed to take place on Feb. 13 at Miller Theater in Augusta, Ga., and Feb. 14 at the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium in Smithfield, N.C.; the latter of those has been rescheduled for March 29.
Related: Beloved Country Singer Hospitalized With Life-Threatening Illness, Forced to Cancel Comeback Show: ‘I’m So Sorry’
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
