Alabama members Randy Owen, Jeff Cook, and Teddy Gentry faced daunting health challenges with courage and resilience. From prostate cancer to Parkinson’s disease, each member has faced their illnesses and demonstrated an unwavering determination to overcome adversity. Despite the uncertainty and fear that came with their diagnoses, they not only persevered but also used their platform to raise awareness of these health issues and advocate for early detection and treatment. As they are recognized for their contributions at the Nashville Honors Gala, their journey serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of resilience, hope, and the power of community support in times of hardship.
Alabama singer Randy Owen believed he was going to die.
“How long do I have?” was Owen’s initial thought after learning from his doctor that he had prostate cancer.
Jeff Cook, guitarist/fiddler in the band, had a similar discussion with his doctor after learning he had the same type of illness. Bassist Teddy Gentry let it be known that he had cancer and had to wait a month for test results that showed he was in the clear.
“It was a really disturbing feeling,” Gentry said.
However, this can happen to any of us at any time.
You are powerless over it. It’s scary.”
At the 11th Annual Nashville Honors Gala, T.J. The Martell Foundation will be presented with the Tony Martell Lifetime Achievement Award in Entertainment on Monday in Alabama. Gentry thinks that since every member of the Country Music Hall of Fame has been affected by the disease, the recognition from the top charity that funds cancer research will carry more meaning. Participants will include Gentry, Owen, and Cook, who have Parkinson’s disease.
Laura Heatherly, CEO of TJ. Martell Foundation, said, “When I think of Alabama, I think of America because she has touched so many people in this country through their music and their amazing conviction and helping people.” “I think Alabama has impacted communities across the country. Through the foundation, we like to honor and recognize people who have been an amazing part of our community.”
After a farewell tour in 2003 and a nearly decade-long hiatus, the group – which will mark its 50th anniversary in 2019 – reunited in 2011 to play Brad Paisley’s first hit, “Old Alabama”. At this point, the members expressed surprise that anyone was interested in their music. The multi-platinum group, famous for 43 No. 1 hits including “Mountain Music” and “Cheap Seats,” reunited in 2013 and began making plans once it became clear Alabama was still in demand.
While on vacation, Owen and Cook were diagnosed with cancer. Cook trusted his medical staff and he trusted them when they assured him he would be fine. He will have to wait for his fight.
Owen fought the disease with more vigor.
When he asked his doctor how much time he had left, he was in danger of being terminated as a patient.
“He told me, ‘I refuse to work with you if you have that attitude,'” Owen said. “What are you trying to say? I asked.” “We’re going to rock it,” he declared, assuming the role of ship’s captain.
The singer’s doctor suggested he seek medical help in Mexico, where high-intensity focused ultrasonography surgery is a common cancer treatment. HifU was not available in the United States. After a trip to Mexico, Owen, Kelly, and his doctor successfully treated the singer. Nine years later, Owen is still cancer-free.
Speaking of the life-saving surgery in Mexico, “I was terrified,” he added. However, I thought it was the best course of action for me. The men are bad at not getting paid, and I don’t want to start lecturing them on what to do. Talking about prostate cancer is something that many people avoid.
The most important thing is to get a PSA test regularly and not be ashamed to talk about it. There are many options available. We’re all just people who get sick.”
As the founder of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids has contributed Owen to more than $800 million in funds raised for cancer research at Memphis Children’s Research Hospital St. Jude. The singer and his family were recently honored with the dedication of a patient room at the hospital to celebrate his thirty years of charity work.
The musician was not prepared for the sudden turn of events that led to his diagnosis of the disease he had battled for half his life but now considers it a godsend.
“I can say, ‘I’m with you,’ when I see those adorable kids at St. Jude and their families. I beat cancer.” I understand what it’s like to be diagnosed with cancer,” he said.
Cook’s health is in jeopardy, while Owen’s has improved.
The multi-instrumentalist revealed in 2017 that he would no longer be able to tour regularly with Alabama due to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis four years earlier. His guitar skills improved after undergoing stem cell treatment after he left the band’s tour. Cook claimed he had two treatments and was planning a third.
Improved hand control allowed him to play more often with Alabama in 2018 than the group previously anticipated. Cook claims he’s fine except for being tired, but his words are sometimes slurred.
If he decides to perform, his bandmates make sure his gear is ready for every show. Meanwhile, he enjoys himself while recording, strumming the guitar. Now with a new meaning, Cook co-wrote the song “No Bad Days” for the band’s album “Southern Drawl”.
Battling cancer and Parkinson’s disease, Alabama members have shown resilience, determination, and determination to spread awareness about these health issues. Despite the challenges they faced, Randy Owen, Jeff Cook, and Teddy Gentry not only battled their illnesses but also used their platform to advocate for early detection and treatment. Through their musical and philanthropic endeavors, they continue to inspire others to face their health issues head-on and seek the support and resources they need. As they are recognized for their contributions at the Nashville Honors Gala, Alabama’s legacy extends beyond their music and leaves a lasting impact on the community and the fight against cancer and Parkinson’s disease.