Ray Stevens Is ‘Devastated’ after News That His Wife of over 50 Years Reached the ‘End-Of-Life Stage'

Ray Stevens may love his music, but the man would choose his family anytime! The country crooner who was scheduled for a show canceled following his wife's deteriorating illness, and he may be getting ready to bid her his last farewell.

Ray Stevens has been around for quite some time. The country star has provided a wealth of quality entertainment to his audience. The singer continues to schedule shows despite his age and has not stopped serenading fans with good music.

His New Year's Eve was recently booked for an event in a theater center, CabaRay. Stevens, who owns the place, reached out to fans through social media with heartbreaking news.

While many would have expected his latest update to be about the performance, it was something different. First, the 82-year-old shared a throwback monochrome photo showing himself and his charming young wife.

However, the message attached to it revealed that the man was in a sad place following his wife's battle with a long-term illness that had left her in a vegetative state. It read:

"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you Ray's wife, Penny, has had a prolonged illness and has suddenly and rapidly progressed to the end-of-life- stage, and Ray is devastated."

The next words maintained that Stevens decided to focus on his wife, which caused him to cancel the new year's eve show. In the end, he apologized but requested his fans' understanding and prayers while admitting that it was indeed a challenging period for his family.

HOW FANS TOOK THE NEWS

Thousands of fans liked the post, and as expected, several people commented. Stevens's lovers did not focus on the canceled show; instead, they reached out to the family, assuring the singer of a sincere empathy from their end. One person wrote:

"So sorry to hear this. Sending peace and comfort your way and prayers during this difficult time."

STEVENS AND PENNY'S SWEET RELATIONSHIP

Stevens and his wife are one of those celebrity couples whose bond is an inspiration. Since their youth, they have been together and have two adorable daughters with remarkable successes.

The duo tries their best to shield their family business away from the eagle eyes of the media, and not much is known about them. However, onlookers know that they have a sweet relationship and support one another.

In 2019, Penny was present at the Country Music Hall of Fame induction, where her husband became a member, and just recently, fans witnessed his tremendous support for her following her end-of-life stage illness.

STEVENS AS A FAMILY MAN

Going by Stevens's achievement, including two Grammy awards, several nominations, and uncountable hit tracks, it is not hard to believe that he is passionate about his craft.

However, he also has a burning hunger for creating a loving family, which tops his success. The singer spends time with his family, including his adult daughters, who are often all smiles in his company.

During his 2019 induction into the Hall of Fame, Stevens's girls, Suzi and Timi, looked thrilled in a shared photo as they stood close to their celebrity dad for a photo.

Although these family posts do not come often, when they do, it is easy for fans to notice their genuine love and happiness. In 2014, the Grammy winner updated his Facebook with a throwback snap showing every member of the team.

The caption identifies each person, adding that many fans are ready to learn about Stevens's under-the-radar family, following his book "Ray Stevens Nashville," where he mentioned them.

THE APPLE THAT DID NOT FALL FAR

The country star successfully passed down his genes to Suzi, his musician daughter, who knows her onions in jazz, blues, pop, and rock n' roll melody. Her father speaks highly of her, and her audience is also in awe of the younger Stevens, whose surname is Ragsdale.

Despite the love and acceptance, Suzi was honest about her life during an interview with The Boot. She explained that her mentor and teacher was the "Everything Is Beautiful" star, but that being his daughter, and remaining in her birthplace, Nashville, snail-paced her career.

Despite the setbacks, the jazz artist added that she is grateful for the life she has and the advantages that come with being schooled by an expert.

Suzi is also ready to leave her mark and has promised to work her sound up the charts after spending three decades refining her tunes. Thankfully, following the release of her EP, it received commendable radio airplay.

Apart from music, Suzi has a special friendship with her parents. In the past, to mark Mother's Day, she shared two never-before-seen photos of her mother as a teenager and as Stevens's beloved partner, showing her admiration for the woman.

The younger singer also adores her father, who, despite his busy schedule during her childhood, created time for the family. In an interview about her growing up years, she said:

"But yes, it was certainly interesting and entertaining! He was on the road a lot...but when he came home, he would bring fun souvenirs and play with us, always making us laugh!"

A LITTLE TO KNOW ABOUT RAY STEVENS

Stevens's birth name was Harold Ray Ragsdale, and he is a native of Georgia. In this state, he first became acquainted with music by listening to the radio and jukebox while relaxing around a village swimming pool.

When he turned 7, he learned the piano, and by 15, the young man had already absorbed a plethora of sounds. At age 17, he recorded his first song titled "Silver Bracelet" and went on to work as a pianist and vocalist for Music City.

Ever since Stevens knew how to whip up a song, he never stopped writing and making good gospel and country music.

The singer also has a business side, which he showed by opening his "Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom" in Nashville, plus his television show "Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville," which has featured iconic stars kike Bill Anderson.