Country music legend Ray Stevens is on the road to recovery after suffering a mild heart attack last week. The 86-year-old singer-songwriter, best known for hits like “Everything Is Beautiful” and “The Streak,” underwent successful heart surgery on Monday, July 7, and is now out of intensive care, according to an update shared on his official Instagram page.
“Ray is very grateful for all of the cards and get well messages,” the post read. “Everything is Still Beautiful!!!!” the team added, referencing Stevens’ Grammy-winning hit.
Fans flooded the comments with encouragement and humor, including one follower who joked about his 1974 novelty hit, writing, “Careful walking those hospital halls, or you’ll be writing another verse to ‘The Streak’!”
Stevens had experienced chest pain on July 4 and was admitted to a hospital in Nashville, where tests revealed he had experienced a mild heart attack. Following a heart catheterization, he underwent a minimally invasive surgical procedure and is now beginning light physical therapy.
As he continues his recovery, all of Stevens’ scheduled performances for July 2025 have been canceled. It’s uncertain when—or if—he will return to the stage later this year.
The Country Music Hall of Famer had come out of retirement earlier this year to promote his latest comedy album, Ray Stevens… Say Whut?, and had announced a limited series of shows at his beloved CabaRay Showroom in Nashville. Though he originally retired in 2024, Stevens reconsidered after the album received a warm response from fans.
“Although I said last year would be my last at the CabaRay… I’m kind of going back on that because I want to promote this album,” he said in a March interview.
Stevens began his music career at age 18 with Capitol Records and has since earned two Grammy Awards, multiple chart-topping singles, and a devoted fanbase spanning generations. His unique blend of heartfelt ballads and comedic tunes, such as “Gitarzan” and “Mississippi Squirrel Revival,” cemented his place as one of country music’s most entertaining voices.
As he recovers, fans around the world are sending their well wishes to the beloved entertainer who has brought laughter and music into their lives for decades.