Tim McGraw Opens Up About Nearly Quitting Music Amid ‘Really Bad’ Health Struggles

During a tour stop in Highland, California over the weekend, Tim McGraw spoke honestly to fans about his recent health battle, admitting his struggles almost caused him to retire from his music career.

According to the New York Post, the country star explained to the crowd at the Yaamava’ Theater that over the past two years, he has undergone four major back surgeries and a double knee replacement. While McGraw has previously touched on these procedures, fans weren’t aware of just how deeply they affected him, both physically and mentally.

At one point, he confessed that he was starting to lose all hope for his future as he stated, “After going through all of that for a couple of years and getting depressed over it and all of those things — stuff not going right…And this spring, before I had my final back surgery, things were getting really bad, so I was seriously contemplating and figuring out how to walk away. I didn’t want to, but I didn’t think it was going to get better.”

McGraw then paused to acknowledge the medical professional who guided him through recovery that was present for the show that night.

“The doctor who did my double knee replacement is here tonight,” McGraw said, prompting the audience to cheer for Dr. Chen.

He also pointed out that his wife, Faith Hill, has also been enduring “quite a bit of surgeries” herself recently.

“She’s had five neck surgeries, and she’s had a couple of hand surgeries. Her hand surgeon, Dr. Rose, is here tonight,” McGraw said, also asking him to stand up for applause.

Getting the chance to highlight the doctors that have been so influential in both his and his wife’s journey back to health was one reason that he got vulnerable with fans. The other reason was to share that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

The “Paper Umbrellas” singer worked hard to regain movement and strength through physical therapy. While he did have to cancel a few appearances as a result, he still found the motivation to keep going and that journey has inspired the idea for his new song called “King Rodeo.” He recorded and released a live version from his performance at the first Music City Rodeo earlier this year.

“It’s gotten better,” McGraw shared of his health. “So, during that process, I had this idea for this song that sort of dealt with facing age and facing all that stuff that comes along with it.”

The powerful tune finds him reflecting on the emotional highs and lows of life in the spotlight, as well as the personal challenges that he has experienced lately.

 “Hey, King Rodeo, You’re lookin’ lonely, Like you’ve lost you’re one and only, Adoring crowds are not around you, Whispers and shadows, they surround you,” he sings.

Now that his health has improved, McGraw appears ready to keep performing for the foreseeable future. He is next set to hit the stage on Nov. 1 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

It was also announced that Tim McGraw will be filling in for Dolly Parton, who made the decision to reschedule a run of shows originally set to take place in Las Vegas this December. McGraw will now take the stage at Caesars Palace, starting on December 4.