Country Music Star Phil Vassar Opens Up About Surviving Two Near-Death Experiences

Phil Vassar, a beloved figure in country music, recently shared the harrowing details of his brush with death last year, revealing that he was clinically dead twice due to a heart attack followed by a stroke.

In an emotional interview with Taste of Country, Vassar recounted his shocking experience: "I literally dropped dead," he confessed. "There were moments when I had no heartbeat for 30 minutes—twice."

The "Carlene" singer explained that his health crisis began with a heart attack, which was then followed by a stroke just three days later. Despite leading a healthy lifestyle, Vassar attributed his condition to genetic heart disease. "I don’t recall much of what happened, but I know I wasn’t feeling well leading up to it," he said. "I’ve always been mindful of my health—I didn’t drink, didn’t party, worked out every day, and avoided fried foods. But in the end, it was my genes that caught up with me."

Although the ordeal is mostly a blur, Vassar is now focused on moving forward. He assured fans that he is back on his feet and returning to what he loves—performing. "I’m back on tour and doing what I’ve always done, but I’m taking it easier now," he explained. "I did about 100 shows the year I ‘croaked,’ but I’m feeling great now. I appreciate singing and being alive more than ever."

Vassar also expressed gratitude for modern medicine, acknowledging that it likely saved his life. "Thank goodness for medical advancements. A few years ago, I probably wouldn’t have survived, but now they can fix you up. You think you’re doing everything right, and then everything goes wrong. That’s life, I guess."