Health Update: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Gary Rossington, Dolly Parton

Gary Rossington, who co-formed Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1964, is expected to make a full recovery following last week’s heart attack.

The band broke the news to fans via Facebook Tuesday with a message saying the guitarist is “currently resting at home with his family.”  

Rossington had a heart attack Oct. 8 in Atlanta, according to CMT.com. Vocalist Johnny Van Zant told the site that Rossington was supposed to undergo a medical procedure prior to the heart attack. He explains that the guitarist, who underwent bypass surgery in 2003, “got off his blood thinner for a week and actually formed a blood clot, from what I understand.” After a surgery to replace two stents in his heart, another procedure is scheduled in a few weeks.

Lynyrd Skynyrd has called off its new few shows to give Rossington time to recover – Friday in Terre Haute, Ind., and Saturday in Mount Pleasant, Mich. Refunds are available at points of purchase. The Mount Pleasant show will be rescheduled in 2016.

“I just wanted to thank everyone for all the well wishes and support,” Rossington said in a statement released Wednesday. “I am feeling better and taking it one day at a time and getting excellent care and support from my doctor and family. I will be back before you know it! It’s gonna take more than a lil ole heart attack to keep me down… Much love and see you all soon!”

Lynyrd Skynyrd’s next scheduled show in Nov. 7

As for Dolly Parton, she says she’s “doing just fine!”

The country singer released a statement today to assure fans of her health. She linked to the announcement on Facebook, writing, “There has been some rumors going around lately and I wanted to put you all at ease.”

Here’s her statement in full:  

“It is true that I had kidney stones. I had them removed three weeks ago and I am doing just fine! I am back to work and last week I was at Dollywood filming parts for my new movie ‘Coat of Many Colors,’ which premieres December 10th on NBC. With the 30th Anniversary of Dollywood, I did a full week of activities promoting my new DreamMore Resort’s opening. There is absolutely no truth at all that I have stomach cancer. I love and appreciate everyone’s concern.”