Beloved Country Singer Hospitalized With Life-Threatening Illness, Forced to Cancel Comeback Show: ‘I’m So Sorry’

Lisa McHugh, an acclaimed Scottish-Irish country-pop star, was preparing to make a return to the stage after battling a series of health setbacks. 

However, those plans have changed. 

In a new post on social media, McHugh revealed she was recently rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with sepsis. 

According to Mayo Clinic, sepsis is “a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection.” Without prompt medical treatment, it can rapidly worsen, progress to septic shock, and lead to death. McHugh, who was scheduled to perform her first concert of 2026 alongside Nathan Carter on Thursday, Feb. 12, at The Clanree Hotel & Leisure Centre in Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland, had to postpone the show, but she shared that she is “receiving the best care and treatment.” 

“Hi everyone, I’m so sorry to say that I won’t be able to perform tonight with @iamnathancarter at the @clanree_hotel, Letterkenny,” McHugh wrote on Instagram on Thursday, Feb. 12. “I was admitted into hospital a couple of days ago with sepsis, but I want to reassure everyone that I’m in the right place and receiving the best care and treatment to help get things under control.” 

McHugh went on to say that while she feels “disappointed” about the situation, her main priority now is focusing on her recovery, so she can eventually make a return to live performing. 

“I just need to take a little bit of time to rest and recover, but I will be absolutely fine,” she assured. “I’m so disappointed to miss out on what was meant to be my first live show back, but I’m sure you’ll all have a fantastic night with Nathan as always! I can’t wait to see you all very soon.”

She Is Grateful for the Prayers, Love, and Support

The singer, known for her 2023 song “Watch Me,” closed out her message by telling fans and friends she is grateful for their love and support as she heals from her scary health emergency. 

“Thank you for all your continued support and understanding — it truly means the world,” she wrote. “Looks like my New Year is starting in March instead 🫠 X.” 

The News Comes After a Series of Health Issues

The difficult news comes less than a year after McHugh revealed she was diagnosed with a condition that had caused her to lose the use of both her legs for two months. In the summer, she revealed she was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) as well as a diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia from earlier in 2025.

“FND is a condition that affects the way the brain and nervous system work, leading to a range of neurological symptoms such as limb weakness, paralysis, seizures, walking difficulties, spasms, sensory issues, cognitive problems, and more,” she wrote at the time in an Instagram post. “The specific cause for FND is unknown, but one of the main triggers is stress, trauma, and anxiety. And while there is no cure, it is treatable provided you adapt your life as much as possible to manage it.”

She added, “….With all of that said, I’m going to sign off and take time out from everything for a while to concentrate on recovering fully. In the meantime, I’d really appreciate all of your prayers & I’ll soak up this time with my beautiful family and be grateful for every day.” 

Lisa McHugh Began Her Country Music Career 16 Years Ago

McHugh began her career in 2010 in Northern Ireland. Notably, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville in 2012, at age 24, performing alongside Gene Watson. She has won the title for Female Vocalist of the Year five times overseas, establishing herself as a leading artist in the Irish country music scene.

About the author

Melinda Lorge is a freelance writer who recently joined the trending news team at Parade. She splits her time between Nashville and Wisconsin, and specializes in covering country music and entertainment.