Colt Ford, the country singer and rapper known for co-writing and debuting the hit song “Dirt Road Anthem,” was hospitalized Thursday after suffering a heart attack in Gilbert, Arizona.

Ford’s medical emergency occurred after a performance at Dierks-Bentley’s Whiskey Row, a spokesperson said. entertainment weekly The 54-year-old artist was said to be in stable but serious condition in the intensive care unit at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa. No further updates were immediately available.

Ford, a native of Athens, Georgia, is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter with numerous No. 1 hits. “Dirt Road Anthem” was originally written and recorded by him with Brantley Gilbert, and was specifically covered by Jason Aldean on his 2010 album. my kinda party It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Solo Performance. Ford’s own album includes Let’s run through the countryside, declaration of independenceand Must be a country.

Ford has previously tackled health issues such as eye cancer and the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis. Speaking to Taste of Country about being diagnosed with MG in May, he said: “It’s been tough. Honestly, the last year has been really tough for me. It’s a disease and there’s no cure. ” he said.

He went on to say that the disease “affects the muscles of the face, eyes and throat. It didn’t affect my throat as much, but it affected my eyes a lot. I couldn’t control my right eye. Really. It’s troubling,” he added. I could see perfectly with either eye, but if you looked together you would see the three of you, melting together like a lava lamp. ”

But the former professional golfer also said he has overcome dark times. “There were so many people who loved me and supported me and pushed me to get through it,” he said. “I feel like I’m on the other side. I’m out of that hole and I’m not going back there.”

According to his website, Ford will perform at numerous shows over the next few weeks, including Friday’s performance in Primm, Nevada, and Saturday’s performance at the Wake the Lake Country Festival in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He had scheduled tour dates.

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