Mel Tillis ‘doing OK,’ not in critical condition, singer’s publicist says

Countering widespread reports of the singer being in “critical condition,” a representative of Country Hall of Famer Mel Tillis, told The Tennessean that the 83-year-old singer is “doing OK” as he recovers from Jan. 8 colon surgery.

Don Murry Grubbs told The Tennessean that the 83-year-old singer is recovering at the Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, saying Tillis is awake and watching TV between visitors.

“Grubbs said reports indicating Tillis is in frail health that circulated Friday are overstated,” the paper said. “Tillis … is still hospitalized. But Grubbs said the singer, known for his stutter, is on the road to recovery.’ Doctors said he’s doing fine and on the right track.”

UPDATE: #CMHOF member Mel Tillis is on the road to recovery. https://t.co/QfUeGMbWpl pic.twitter.com/SaU5Ivt9Xq

— Country Music HOF (@countrymusichof) January 15, 2016

I don’t care if you’re an atheist, agnostic, Baptist, Hindu, whatever. Pray or put out good vibes for Mel Tillis. This year’s ridiculous.

— Farce the Music (@Farcethemusic) January 15, 2016