Billy Don Burns, a legendary figure in the outlaw country music scene, is seeking prayers from fans following a serious health scare. The 76-year-old singer, whose extensive career includes working with iconic artists like Willie Nelson and Johnny Paycheck, recently experienced a troubling episode that landed him in the hospital.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Burns shared details of his ordeal, reflecting on a binge that involved both whiskey and cocaine. He recounted a series of unfortunate events that left him isolated and in distress after an encounter with Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Rotten. The singer described how he started using drugs and whiskey in a reckless manner, leading to a car accident where he damaged his vehicle after barely driving it ten miles.
Burns further elaborated on his harrowing experience as he found himself without a phone in an unfamiliar area and resorted to extreme measures. “I started shooting the drugs. Instead of putting water in the spoon, I started using whiskey,” he revealed. His state of despair led him to inflict harm upon himself, claiming he stabbed himself multiple times with a pocket knife, leading to excessive bleeding.
Authorities swiftly took Burns to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, California, where he has been undergoing treatment. Despite the severity of the situation, the outlaw artist maintained a sense of humor about his reckless choices, hinting at a potential book to tell his full story.
As he recovers, Burns expressed deep gratitude for the prayers and support he has received, highlighting the community’s role in aiding him through this perilous chapter of his life. His personal tale serves as a reminder of the struggles that can accompany fame and the importance of support in times of crisis.
For anyone in crisis or who knows someone who is struggling, the message of seeking help remains crucial, with resources like the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available for support.