Johnny Russell

Catus Jack · Post by **Catus Jack** » 18 Mar 2001 10:03 am

I heard on the Opry last night the Johnny Russell has been in the hospital for 16 weeks from complications with his sugar diabetes. Can anyone tell me how bad is he?

Catus Jack

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 18 Mar 2001 10:26 am

The last I heard he's in the same place as Johnny Paycheck. Despite some publicity I've heard that neither one will probably ever perform again. What I heard is Johnny had kidney problems, his brother donated one of his to him and now it has failed because Johnny never met a meal he wouldn't eat.

Catus Jack · Post by **Catus Jack** » 18 Mar 2001 10:38 am

Yes, Jack he has talked about dialysis a few times on the backstage with Bill Anderson. Many years ago, I played in a band that backed him and your right he couldn't pass food.

Catus Jack

Janice Brooks · Post by **Janice Brooks** » 27 Jun 2001 6:57 pm

Latest word is Johnny may have a couple days left.

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Janice "Busgal" Brooks
ICQ 44729047

Earl Erb · Post by **Earl Erb** » 27 Jun 2001 7:25 pm

In the last few weeks Johnny had both of his legs amputated as a result of the complications from his diabetes.

A benefit was just recently held to help pay for his hospital costs.

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 28 Jun 2001 5:13 am

Just received this from Marty Martel:
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I have just returned from spending a couple hours with Johnny and he is not going so good. He did know all of us that came to see him, but he seems to be slipping from us. Please continue your prayers for him.

He was visited today by Garth Brooks, Ralph Emery-(Twice), Little Jimmy Dickens, George & Nancy Jones, and many more friends, including his band members. Dolly Parton called him by phone today and Sammy Kershaw and Lorrie Morgan also called.

I will keep you updated. His family is at his side.

Marty Martel<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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John

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 28 Jun 2001 6:36 pm

Another update on Johnny from Marty Martel.
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I did not get to the hospital today to see Johnny, but I did call on 3 different occassions during the day and he is holding his own, and continues to have a large number of music industry visitors and friends.

I just spoke with his daughter Julie, and she has given me permission to continue to issue these updates anytime I feel the need.

She said that all of Johnny's family has arrived in Nashville and they are with him.
She said that he is doing fine. They asked him if he would like to talk with me, and he said yes, and I told him I loved him, and said I love you to pal. I told him that I would be up to see him tommorrow and he said, "Okay, I'll see your tommorrow.

"MIRACLES DO HAPPEN BY PRAYER"<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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John

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 28 Jun 2001 7:10 pm

I heard on the radio this morning that Johnny is in a coma.

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 3 Jul 2001 2:43 am

Another Update from Marty Martel
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I have waited a couple of days to bring you a current update on Johnny's condition.

I was at the hospital this evening from 6:15PM until about 7:15PM. When I walked into the room, he was sleeping as he has been the last couple of days. He did wake up several different times. I told him I had come to see him, and he let me know he knew that I was there. His condition is still the same.

For those who do not know what Johnny is having health problems with, he is suffering from complications of diabetes. During the days Jim Ed Brown and Ed Gregory made a visit to see Johnny, Ray Price sent his best wishes to John, Ralph Emery once again paid him a visit, and after I left, Little David Wilkins, J.R.s best friend went to see him, and told me that Freddie Hart called Johnny to tell him that he loved him.

In speaking with Johnny's children, they asked me please, whenever I issue any update on their Dad, to be sure and let all of you know that they are deeply appreciative of all of your cards, letters and especially your prayers for Johnny.

I will have another updated soon.

PRAYER IS IMPORTANT-SOMEONE IS LISTENING. DON'T STOP.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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John

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 3 Jul 2001 2:45 am

Another Update from Marty Martel
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>I have waited a couple of days to bring you a current update on Johnny's condition.

I was at the hospital this evening from 6:15PM until about 7:15PM. When I walked into the room, he was sleeping as he has been the last couple of days. He did wake up several different times. I told him I had come to see him, and he let me know he knew that I was there. His condition is still the same.

For those who do not know what Johnny is having health problems with, he is suffering from complications of diabetes. During the days Jim Ed Brown and Ed Gregory made a visit to see Johnny, Ray Price sent his best wishes to John, Ralph Emery once again paid him a visit, and after I left, Little David Wilkins, J.R.s best friend went to see him, and told me that Freddie Hart called Johnny to tell him that he loved him.

In speaking with Johnny's children, they asked me please, whenever I issue any update on their Dad, to be sure and let all of you know that they are deeply appreciative of all of your cards, letters and especially your prayers for Johnny.

I will have another updated soon.

PRAYER IS IMPORTANT-SOMEONE IS LISTENING. DON'T STOP.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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John

Larry Miller · Post by **Larry Miller** » 3 Jul 2001 9:52 am

Dear Forumites, Johnny Russell died this morning 3 July 2001. Rest in Peace Johnny.

John Floyd · Post by **John Floyd** » 3 Jul 2001 11:31 am

Last Update from Marty Martel
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> JOHNNY RUSSELL

IT IS WITH DEEP REGRET THAT I MUST ISSUE THIS SAD NEWS.

ANOTHER GREAT GREAT LOSS TO OUR COUNTRY MUSIC INDUSTRY AND THE WORLD OF MUSIC.

AT 9:30 AM, JULY 3, 2001, LEGENDARY SINGER, SONGWRITER, COMEDIAN, AND ONE OF THE GREATEST HUMAN BEINGS ON THIS EARTH - GRAND OLE OPRY SUPER STAR, JOHNNY RUSSELL, PASSED AWAY AT BAPTIST HOSPITAL-NASHVILLE, TN., FROM COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES. HIS WAS FAMILY WAS AT HIS SIDE. JOHNNY WAS 61 YEARS OLD.

OUR PRAYERS & CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO JOHNNY'S FAMILY AT THIS TIME. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

AT THIS TIME FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE INCOMPLETE. I WILL UPDATE AS WE ARE INFORMED.

PLEASE PASS THIS INFO ON TO ALL FANS.

MARTY MARTEL<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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John

Janice Brooks · Post by **Janice Brooks** » 3 Jul 2001 12:56 pm

My sources say services will be Friday at the OPRY House.

To our brothern in Nashville hang in there

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Janice "Busgal" Brooks
ICQ 44729047

Pat Jenkins · Post by **Pat Jenkins** » 3 Jul 2001 8:18 pm

Johnny was so talented, singer, songwriter, but, I think his biggest talent was the way he could light up a room by just walking in. An incredibly funny person. You just had to laugh. Good bye, Johnny.
Pat

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 5 Jul 2001 8:10 am

May he rest in peace.

I feel like a jerk -- to put it politely. In an earlier thread boasted about "Dusting Off Some Vinyls". being aware of JR's grave health situation, I should have thought to play my "Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer".

Of course, I'll play it this evening.

My condolences to all who knew and loved Johnny.

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HagFan