Mark Chesnutt Ends Show Abruptly Due To Health in Alabama
Mark Chesnutt is fine, and according to his publicist, Chesnutt has been fighting off a sinus infection lately. But folks at the Oxford Performing Arts Center in Oxford, AL became worried Thursday evening, February 12th after Chesnutt had to end his performance early after only three songs. He was unable to return to the stage.
Chesnutt also canceled his show at the Miller Theater in Augusta, Georgia, on Friday, February 13th, and postponed his show Saturday, February 14th at the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium in Smithfield, North Carolina due to the illness.
“We all thought he was kidding at first, even his band was shocked,” one commenter said under a message from the Oxford Performing Arts Center announcing that the performance would not go forward.
“Due to sudden illness, the artist was unable to complete tonight’s performance. We are hopeful to reschedule the concert and share a new date soon,” the venue said. “All current ticket holders will be contacted with additional details. Those who are unable to attend the rescheduled performance will have the option to receive a full refund … Situations like this are extremely rare at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, and we are grateful for the kindness shown by our patrons this evening.”
But many of the fans in attendance were less worried about refunds or a rescheduled date, and more worried about Chesnutt, who’s been suffering from health issues over the last few years. Mark broke his back in 2021 and required surgery. Then in 2024 he had heart problems resulting in emergency heart surgery.
Then in May of 2025, Mark Chesnutt came clean about his battles with alcohol, in part to deal with the pain from his continuing back issues. “My surgery was a major major one. I couldn’t work. I was laid up, didn’t drive, couldn’t walk, couldn’t do anything … I had to quit drinking or die … I’m back and doing better than ever.”
Despite being admitted to the hospital for low sodium count and high blood pressure in October of 2025, Mark Chesnutt has been making more dates than missing recently after focusing more on his health.
The show at the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium has been rescheduled to March 29, 2026. No word at this time when the the Oxford Performing Arts Center date will be rescheduled.
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February 14, 2026 @ 9:37 pm
I wish the best for Mark Chesnutt, but there’s no need to say that he’s fine when it’s obvious that he isn’t.
February 14, 2026 @ 10:54 pm
“Fine” was a word the publicist used to me, and I reported in this article. By “fine” I believe it’s meant to convey that he’s not in a hospital, suffering from a terminal diagnosis, and is expected to make his next scheduled appearance.
February 14, 2026 @ 10:13 pm
Thanks for looking into it, Trigger! It also appears that Mark had to cancel a Friday, February 13 show at the Miller Theater in Augusta, Georgia (according to their Facebook page). Let’s pray that he makes a quick recovery; he was a trooper to try to do the Oxford show.