Bill Anderson is recovering following an injury he sustained in his home. Anderson shares an update on his condition on his website, after fans expressed concern following his cancellation at the Grand Ole Opry last Saturday.
“Many of you have been reaching out to me and members of my team since the announcement was made that I wouldn’t be keeping my scheduled appearance on the Grand Ole Opry this past Saturday night,” Anderson writes. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m here to let you know I’m doing fine. It was a freak accident where I simply twisted or tore some ligaments or muscles or something in the back of my left leg trying to climb into bed, and I fell to the floor unable to walk.
“I was in excruciating pain and had to cancel a songwriting appointment with T. Graham Brown on Friday, the Opry on Saturday, and an appearance at the State Fair for WSM on Sunday,” he continues. “If you know me, you know how much it bothers me to go back on any commitment I may have made.”
The 87-year-old reveals he is, fortunately, on the mend, and looking forward to getting back to performing soon.
“Thanks to a bunch of ice packs and pain pills I’m feeling much better today,” he says. “And hopefully this will all be behind me shortly. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers and most of all for caring.”
Bill Anderson’s History At The Grand Ole Opry
Anderson holds the record as the longest-serving member of the Grand Ole Opry. Anderson, who was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1961, was honored with a celebration on July 15.
“More than anything, it’s just a blessing to be up here for more than 64 years,” Anderson said at the time. “Thank you to the fans and the Opry for supporting me all this time.”
“Bill Anderson has made an indelible mark,” added Dan Rogers, Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry. “We could take a full Opry show and talk about Bill and his impact. He has continued to be a bridge between new and legacy artists for 64 years now, and now we thank him.”
Anderson is mourning the loss of his good friend, Jeannie Seely, who passed away earlier this month. Seely also made history at the Opry, performing more than any other artist.
“Jeannie Seely and I were friends for over sixty years, and between the two of us we performed over 10,000 times on the Grand Ole Opry,” Anderson says. “She was one of the most talented, kind, witty, generous, loving people I have ever known. The Opry and the world won’t be nearly as much fun without her in it. May she rest in peace.”
Keep track of updates at BillAnderson.com.