Ray Stevens Shares Health Update And Future Plans For CabaRay Showroom

The 86-year-old reveals plans to slow down.

By

Madeleine O’Connell

| Posted on

August 18, 2025

at

10:01 am

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Ray Stevens; Photo by Angela Talley

Ray Stevens, a treasured member of the country music community, has shared a health update with fans after suffering a mild heart attack in early July.

At the time, the Country Music Hall of Fame member was hospitalized due to chest pains. This led him to undergo a minimally invasive heart catheterization procedure at a Nashville hospital where doctors on the morning of Monday, July 7. It was confirmed to be a successful surgery and Stevens was expected to make a full recovery.

Today’s update reveals that the two-time GRAMMY® Award winner had a second procedure a few weeks later, during which doctors placed two stents to address additional blockages. After spending a few days in a Nashville rehabilitation facility, he is now home and focused on regaining his strength.

A Major Change For CabaRay Showroom

Stevens also shared plans to sell his beloved West Nashville CabaRay Showroom, though he intends to honor his previously scheduled live performances there once he’s able. His recent health challenges have caused Stevens to reflect on his future, and in doing that, he’s realized that it may be time to take a step back from his work. The choice to part ways with the CabaRay Showroom marks both a bittersweet farewell and an exciting new chapter.

“At 86 and with my recent health problems, it’s probably time to slow down, and selling CabaRay is the first step,” Stevens said, explaining his decision. “But in the interim, I still plan on doing shows once I’m fully recovered. I still have a lot I want to do in the recording studio, so I’ll focus all of my energy in that direction along with making videos to go along with the music from time to time.” 

CabaRay Showroom; Photo Courtesy of Ray Stevens
CabaRay Showroom; Photo Courtesy of Ray Stevens

While Stevens expressed that he still holds a deep affection for his venue, he feels it’s time to pass it on to the right owner.

“I hope someone purchases it and enjoys it as much as I have,” he added.  

The History Of The Multi-Use Facility

Stevens launched the CabaRay Showroom at 5724 River Road in 2018 and has taken the stage there for nearly all of his shows since then. Plus, it has become the setting for many milestones and unforgettable events over the years, making it a beloved part of the local community.

“It’s a great facility, and we’ve had weddings, TV show tapings, fundraising events for charities, political campaigns, corporate meetings and all-star music performances with and without banquet dinners, all prepared and served here,” he says. “It’s a multi-use facility, but primarily, it’s an outstanding music venue. The sound is fabulous.”

The 35,000-square-foot property includes a main showroom with seating for more than 700 guests across two levels, a fully equipped backstage area with dressing rooms, a lobby, bar, kitchen, ticketing offices, a state-of-the-art studio, and office space. It also offers parking for 300 vehicles and multiple tour buses.

For inquiries from potential buyers, contact 615-327-4629 or rstevens@raystevens.com.

Stevens’ Longstanding Place In The Nashville Scene

Photo Courtesy Ray Stevens
Photo Courtesy Ray Stevens

For more than 60 years, Ray Stevens has been captured audiences around the world with his signature blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling. His iconic hits like the multi-million-selling “The Streak” and the timeless anthem “Everything Is Beautiful,” have cemented his place as one of music’s most celebrated entertainers.

His remarkable career has earned him 12 GRAMMY® nominations and two wins, over 40 million albums sold, and countless performances for fans around the globe. In addition to his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Stevens also holds a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, and Georgia Music Hall of Fame. He’s even earned a star on the Music City Walk of Fame.

The Georgia native is not only a celebrated singer and songwriter but also an accomplished producer, arranger, and musician. Over the years, he’s contributed his skills to recordings by some of the biggest names in country music, including Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, and Brenda Lee.

It’s unclear when exactly Ray Stevens will return to the stage. Fans should stay tuned for any further updates regarding his final performances at the CabaRay Showroom.

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Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.