Mark Chesnutt Cuts Alabama Set Short, Cancels Two Shows Amid Illness
Country singer Mark Chesnutt ended a performance early on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 (ET), and has since canceled or postponed two additional concerts while he deals with a sinus infection that has affected his voice. Venues say ticket-holders will be offered refunds or honored at rescheduled dates as the artist focuses on recovery.
Show in Oxford ends after only a few songs; two more dates affected
Chesnutt began his Thursday night set at the Oxford Performing Arts Center in Oxford, Ala., but left the stage after only a handful of songs and did not return. The venue issued a statement on its social channels noting that the artist was unable to complete the performance because of a sudden illness and that it hoped to reschedule. Ticket-holders were told they would be contacted with options to attend a makeup date or receive a refund.
Audience members at the show said the decision came as a surprise; several recalled that only three songs were performed before the show was halted. Fans in attendance expressed concern and offered well wishes, while others said they appreciated the quick communication from the venue about next steps.
After the Oxford date, Chesnutt canceled a performance scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 (ET) in Augusta, Ga., and postponed a Feb. 14, 2026 (ET) appearance in Smithfield, N. C. The Smithfield show has been rescheduled for March 29, 2026 (ET); the Augusta date has no makeup announced yet.
Publicist: sinus infection impacting voice; team stresses it is not major
Chesnutt's publicist said the singer has been fighting a sinus infection that was affecting his ability to sing, and that the condition forced the early end to the Oxford concert. The representative described the issue as relatively minor and expected him to recover soon. The artist is resting and prioritizing his voice and overall health while tour plans are adjusted.
Venue officials emphasized that cancellations and postponements were being handled with ticket-holder options and that rescheduling information would be shared as dates are confirmed. Fans have been urged to monitor communications from the venues for refund and exchange instructions.
Context: a string of serious health battles in recent years
The current episode comes after a series of significant health challenges for Chesnutt over the past several years. He sustained a fractured spine that required back surgery in 2023 and underwent emergency quadruple bypass surgery in 2024. In 2025 he publicly disclosed a long struggle with alcohol and said he nearly died before becoming sober in November 2023. He has also been hospitalized previously with issues related to low sodium levels and other complications.
Those past medical crises have made fans especially attentive when Chesnutt misses shows. Many supporters voiced relief that this incident appears tied to a treatable sinus infection rather than a new, serious condition, while continuing to send messages of support as he recovers.
Chesnutt’s team has not suggested any long-term changes to upcoming tour plans beyond the immediate postponements. Promoters and venues are coordinating with his representatives on rescheduling and refund logistics as the singer focuses on getting back to full health.
