Country legend Ray Stevens suffers broken neck in horrible fall days before new album release

Grammy-winning country singer Ray Stevens is recovering from a broken neck. The 87-year-old singer of several controversial songs fell on March 29, was briefly hospitalized, and is now recovering at home.

Ray’s team shared an update on his health to his Instagram, writing: “Doctors have advised Ray to wear a neck brace for approximately four weeks. He remains fully mobile and in good spirits as he continues his recovery.”

The 87-year-old’s injury comes at an interesting time. Ray is set to release his newest album, Favorites Old & New, on Friday, April 10, 2026. While he is resting and recovering, his album will still be released to the public.

His fans have sent many well wishes to the country singer. One person commented on the Instagram post announcing Ray’s injury: “Oh my goodness! I’m glad he’s recovering. Be safe. Take care of yourself sir. Sending much love to your family and you.”

Another wrote: “Woah!! Thank God he’s on the mend.”

Who is Ray Stevens?

Ray was born Harold Ray Ragsdale on January 24, 1939 in Clarkdale, Georgia to Willis and Frances Ragsday. He and his little brother, John, grew up in the suburb of Atlanta and both dreamed of life in the entertainment business.

While Ray pursued music, his brother, who died in 2020 at the age of 75, went on to become an actor and writer. 

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Ray was 18 when he first signed on to a record label, but his career really took off in 1961 when he released the comedic song “Jeremiah Peabody’s Polyunsaturated Quick-Dissolving Fast-Acting Pleasant-Tasting Green and Purple Pills.”

The singer spent most of his life in Nashville and plays several instruments. Throughout his career, Ray has been known as the “Clown Prince of Country Music.” According to the Country Music Hall of Fame, he played trumpet for Elvis Presley and wrote songs for Dolly Parton.

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In 1971, Ray won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Male Vocalist. Five years later, in 1976, he won another Grammy for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).

In 2019, Ray was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for his long career of novelty hits and his work as a singer, songwriter, session musician, arranger, producer, and more.

Ray’s life outside of music

For 60 years, Ray was married to his wife, Penny Jackson. The two were together until her death on December 31, 2021 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Ray and Penny shared two daughters, Timi and Suzi, and four grandchildren.

Like her father, Suzi is a singer, collaborating with singers like Verlon Thompson and Darrell Scott.

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Ray’s other health issues

Last July, Ray was hospitalized after complaining of chest pains. His doctors determined that he suffered a mild heart attack and he was placed in intensive care. On July 7, 2025, Ray underwent heart surgery. He recovered quickly and was out of intensive care a few days later.