Doc Watson in Critical Condition, Blind Folk Singer 'Pulled Through'
Doc Watson is in critical condition after the completion of surgery at a North Carolina hospital. The blind folk musician underwent colon surgery Thursday night, and had a follow-up procedure Saturday.
Doc Watson's critical condition was announced by a Baptist Medical Center spokesperson, who said that the singer had taken a turn for the worse Sunday. His family and friends were invited to see the 89-year-old in the facility's intensive care unit.
"Doc did have a pretty difficult day today," Mitch Greenhill, manager of the folk legend, told the Winston-Salem Journal. "But he pulled through."
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The Grammy Award-winning musician's daughter, Nancy, said that he fell Monday. The main reason for his hospitalization and subsequent critical condition, however, was the colon blockage.
"They found a blockage in his colon, which they removed," Greenhill said previously. "Things started looking better. I think we can all feel a little more at ease today than yesterday when he was entering this surgery."
"It's still serious," he added.
Now, reports have revealed that Watson is responsive, although still confined to medical care.
Doc Watson, the legendary guitarist and folk singer-songwriter, has won seven Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in bluegrass, folk, country, and gospel. The Deep Gap, North Carolina resident has been blind since age 1, but went on to become highly regarding for mastering the flatpicking style of play.
The singer had two children, Nancy Ellen, born 1951, and Eddy Merle, born 1949. Merle died in an accident on the farm in 1985.
As reports of the singer's condition have been publicized, many are hoping and praying for his recovery.
"Let's all keep Doc Watson in our thoughts and prayers today!" wrote Dan Miller on the Watauga Democrat blog.
"Prayers go out to Doc and his family," wrote another user.
Watson's manager asked that all parties respect the family's privacy through this difficult time.
"The family, while understanding and appreciating interest from Doc's friends and well-wishers, would appreciate privacy during this trying time," Greenhill explained.
