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Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson Diagnosed With Coronavirus

Asleep at the Wheel co-founder and frontman Ray Benson has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The singer, who…

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

March 31, 2020

Ray Benson; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for A+E Networks

Asleep at the Wheel co-founder and frontman Ray Benson has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The singer, who is also an actor and voice actor, detailed his diagnosis in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning (March 31), revealing that he had been feeling the effects of the illness for several days before he was able to get tested.

“Well folks, the bad news I’ve contracted the coronavirus,” he wrote. “Been feeling tired for about 10 days! Went to be tested on the 21st! No tests so went home!”

On Monday (March 30), he went back and was able to get a test. The results came in less than 24 hours later.

“First call this mornin from lab sayin you got it,” the 69-year-old shared.

Benson says he’s “hoping for the best.”

“[I] don’t have the usual symptoms but feel tired headache no fever no cough,” he explained.

He went on to share that he missing performing and “seeing everyone.”

Benson closed his post by urging the public to take the virus seriously.

“I have been alone for the most part and wore mask washed hands used hand sanitizer still got it,” he said.

Benson is the latest artist to go public with his coronavirus diagnosis. On Monday, Kalie Shorr revealed that she had contracted the virus. Additionally, John Prine remains hospitalized with COVID-19, while ’90s country star Joe Diffie sadly passed away due to complications with coronavirus.

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.