Country-Rap Artist Colt Ford’s Condition Is ‘Slowly but Steadily Improving’ Following Heart Attack

Colt Ford performs at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge Annual Birthday Bash in Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 17, 2023. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Country singer and rapper Colt Ford, known for hits like “Dirt Road Anthem” and “Drivin' Around Song,” remains hospitalized after suffering a heart attack following a performance in Gilbert, Arizona, on April 4.

“Ford remains in the ICU with his condition slowly but steadily improving,” the multi-platinum artist’s representative told The Epoch Times on Tuesday via email.

“At this time, his family is requesting privacy and appreciates fans’ continued thoughts and prayers,” the representative continued.

Mr. Ford, 53, was on tour at the time of the medical emergency, which occurred after he helmed the stage for a performance at gastropub and music venue Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row.

The singer-songwriter was promptly taken to the Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.

Mr. Ford was later transferred to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, located about 20 miles away, where he remained in “stable but critical” condition.

The artist’s website currently indicates he has upcoming shows scheduled from April until the end of August. However, it remains unclear when he will be able to return to the stage.

Cancer Diagnosis

Mr. Ford has been open about his previous health scares. The Georgia native took to Instagram in 2021 to reveal that he had been diagnosed with eye cancer.

“Ain’t really said nothing about it. I gotta have, uh, some surgery this morning on my eye. There’s this spot that came up in my eye that is, uh, cancer,” he shared in a video posted to the platform on April 27.

“So they said they’re gonna get it out of there, and it should be alright,” he continued. “God didn’t bring me this far to let me go now.”

In a subsequent Instagram post shared the day after undergoing surgery, Mr. Ford wrote that he was “humbled by all the support and well wishes.”

“You know things like this will put some things in perspective, but when I look on here and see all the well wishes and love from everybody it’s unbelievable,” he said in the video, sporting a patch over one of his eyes.

“The world seems like it’s in a crazy place but it’s unbelievable to see all the love and support from everybody and all my friends and music people reaching out,” he added. “It always makes you feel good. God bless you all.”

After battling eye cancer, Mr. Ford was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 2022. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the chronic autoimmune condition weakens the skeletal muscles, such as those found in the face, eyes, neck, arms, and legs, affecting the ability to chew, talk, swallow, make facial expressions, and even walk, among other movements.

“So it’s affecting my eye, for me right now, where I can’t open my right eye all the way,” he told Chad Armes TV later that year, adding that the condition is largely uncomfortable for him mentally.

“During the last couple years of the pandemic, I had, I’ve had some health issues. I haven’t said anything to anybody because everybody’s dealing with stuff, and I don’t feel like I’m any more important than anybody else,” he shared.

“I’ve tried to kinda not say anything, but it’s getting to the point now where I feel like I need to let people know what’s going on,” he added. “I appreciate every prayer, thought, the fans, I don’t, I don’t wanna quit playing music. So I’m trying to figure out how to deal with it and treat it.”

He continued: “There’s no cure for it at the moment, but ... I still got some love, some hope, and some faith and, uh, and I’m gonna keep rockin.'”

Foray Into Country Music

Before his start in the music industry, Mr. Ford, born Jason Farris Brown, rose to prominence as a professional golfer. Twice named Georgia’s PGA Section Assistants’ Division Player of the Year, he went on to make his PGA Tour Champions debut in 2020.

“My whole life, since I was 9, 10, 11 years old, I was like, ‘I’m gonna play professional golf and make music ... And I have done both of those things. I’ve been really blessed,” he told Chad Armes TV in 2022. “It’s been fun and unique to do, to do both of those things; it’s been interesting.”

Mr. Ford released his debut album, “Ride Through the Country,” in 2008, which featured collaborations with singers like John Michael Montgomery and Jamey Johnson. The album included the song, “Dirt Road Anthem,” which was re-recorded and released by country singer Jason Aldean in 2011.

Mr. Ford went on to release a slew of albums, including 2010’s “Chicken & Biscuits,” 2011’s “Every Chance I Get,” 2012’s “Declaration of Independence,” and 2014’s “Thanks for Listening,” garnering five consecutive “Top 10” spots on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, per Billboard.