Dickey Betts in Critical Condition After Hitting Head in Fall

Southern rock legend and founding member of The Allman Brother Band Dickey Betts is currently in critical but stable condition in a Florida hospital after hitting his head, causing bleeding from his brain. Betts was in his backyard in Little Sarasota Bay, and slipped and cracked his head while playing with the family dog. The accident occurred on Monday (9-17), and Betts is expected to undergo surgery on Friday (9-21) to relieve swelling on his brain.

Dickey’s wife Donna and his children are said to be by his side, including his daughter Kimberly who is a country singer, and his son Duane, who plays with his father in the Dickey Betts Band. “The family appreciates all of your thoughts and prayers during this very trying time,” wife Donna said. “We are by his side giving him the strength to pull through this.”

In August, Dickey Betts suffered what was characterized as a mild stroke at his home in Sarasota, and had to cancel a slew of tour dates. However his manager David Spero said on September 14th that Dickey’s recovery was going better than expected, and he was already playing guitar, and looking to get back on the road soon. New dates were added to the calendar, but now those have been canceled as well.

“It was just a few days ago that Dickey was telling me how excited he was to get back in front of the fans on November 1,” Spero said. “It is very unfortunate, for all involved, that we need to cancel those shows. Please add Dickey into your thoughts and prayers. I’ll keep everyone updated on his expected progress.”

Though The Allman Brothers Band is officially retired, Dickey Betts has continued to tour and make appearances in his Dickey Betts Band and numerous other projects tied to the legendary Southern rock outfit.

UPDATE 9/21/18: “Dickey Betts and his family want everyone to know that his surgery was a success,” Dickey’s manager David Spero said on Friday after his surgery. “The outpouring of support from all over the world has been overwhelming and amazing. We are so appreciative. Thank you all so much for your wonderful thoughts and prayers. We will keep you updated.”

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