The master of modern flatpicker is recuperating from a colon surgery he underwent at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.
- May 26, 2012
AceShowbiz - Update on the condition of master flatpicker Doc Watson, who was hospitalized after falling at his home, has been shared. The blind folk musician remained in critical condition, but has regained some strength after undergoing colon surgery.
The 89-year-old Grammy-winning performer is resting and responsive following his surgery on Thursday, May 24. "The family appreciates everyone's prayers and good wishes," Folklore Productions International issued a statement on its official website.
Doc fell at his home in Deep Gap on Monday, May 21. He was initially admitted to Watauga Medical Center, but was transferred to Baptist Medical Center on Thursday. According to her daughter Nancy, he had no broken bones but was "real sick."
President of Folklore Productions Mitch Greenhill explained furthermore, "They determined after keeping him overnight that there were more serious things going on, and they transferred him to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem for surgery."
Doc was blinded by an eye infection shortly after birth. With his talent, he earned a living through music, a career he said he probably wouldn't have pursued without his eyesight limitations. He won seven Grammy Awards and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement honor in 2004.
He was hospitalized just a month after headlining MerleFest 25 in Wilkesboro. Performing in the memory of his son and touring mate, Merle, who died in a tractor accident in 1985, he said to the crowd, "With the good Lord's will, I'm 89 years old and I'm pretty healthy."
Such acts as Donna the Buffalo, Jim Lauderdale, Sam Bush, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and John Hammond took part at the gig.
