Lindsey Buckingham recovering after emergency open-heart procedure; wife reports he has damaged vocal cords
Daniel Knighton/Getty ImagesThere's some upsetting news to report about Lindsey Buckingham: The former Fleetwood Mac singer/guitarist underwent an emergency open-heart operation last week, during which, according to his wife, Kristen, he suffered "vocal cord damage."
In a post on Lindsey's Facebook page, Kristen writes, "He is now recuperating at home and each day he is stronger than the last. While he and his heart are doing well, the surgery resulted in vocal cord damage."
She adds, "While it is…unclear if this damage is permanent, we are hopeful it is not."
Ms. Buckingham also points out that the past year has been "very stressful and difficult" for her family, obviously a reference to Lindsey being fired from Fleetwood Mac in 2018, although she notes that "despite all this, our gratitude for life trumps all obstacles we have faced at this moment."
Not surprisingly, Kristen also reports that "all touring and shows currently scheduled have been put on pause for the moment."
In addition, Kristen notes that her family wanted to share the details of Lindsey's health issue "with the hope that inspires someone else to seek preventative care." She points out that the 69-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer's father and brother both died of heart-related illness at the age of 56 and 46, respectively.
"If anyone is experiencing even the mildest of symptoms we encourage you to seek the care of a physician," she writes.
Kristen finishes the message by saying, "We are so thankful for the kind and generous love given by the people surrounding Lindsey, me and our kids throughout this emotional time. We can't thank you enough for all you did for our family...XO"
Accompanying the message is a photo of Kristen with a bruised Lindsey in a hospital bed.