Country music legend, 87, breaks neck and is rushed to hospital ahead of new album launch

Country music legend Ray Stevens, 87, is recovering after a terrifying fall in Nashville on Sunday that left him with a broken neck.

The two-time Grammy winner, best known for his hits Everything Is Beautiful and Misty, was briefly hospitalized following the accident but is now back home, according to a statement from his team, per People.

Doctors have advised Stevens to wear a neck brace for the next four weeks as part of his recovery, the statement confirmed.

Despite the injury, the country music icon reportedly remains mobile and in high spirits as he heals. 

Stevens' highly anticipated album Favorites Old & New is still set to drop on Friday.

This latest health scare comes just months after Stevens suffered a mild heart attack in early July 2025.

He was hospitalized at the time after experiencing chest pains and later underwent a minimally invasive heart catheterization procedure in Nashville. 

A few weeks later, Stevens underwent a second procedure where doctors inserted two stents to address further blockages. 

After spending several days at a rehabilitation facility in Nashville, he was discharged and returned home to continue his recovery.

Although Stevens' surgery was a success, he was forced to cancel his performances at the CabaRay Showroom in West Nashville during his recovery period.

At the time, his Instagram account provided fans with a hopeful update, reassuring them of his progress.

‘Ray is out of ICU and beginning to walk the halls as therapy with a nurse’s assistance as he is working towards recovering from this surgery,’ the caption read. 

‘Ray is very grateful for all of the cards and get well messages. Everything Is Still Beautiful!!!!’

Meanwhile, Stevens' upcoming album Favorites Old & New is a 13-track mix of timeless classics and brand-new material.

The album will include beloved hits like The Look of Love, It Had To Be You, and Come Rain or Come Shine, alongside fresh tracks such as I Guess You’ve Never Been in Love With the Moon, Moving Out is Easier Than Moving On, and Time Machine.

‘I had a lot of fun creating this album Favorites Old & New,' Stevens shared in a press release. 

‘It really does contain a few of my favorite old songs as well as favorite new ones penned by some talented writers. I just hope Ray Stevens fans enjoy it as much as Ray Stevens!’ 

The Georgia-born artist, originally named Ray Ragsdale, is also famous for his quirky novelty hits like Ahab the Arab, Gitarzan, and The Streak.