Gretchen Wilson Triumphs on ‘Masked Singer’ After Battling Serious Health Challenges

Gretchen Wilson Triumphs on ‘Masked Singer’ After Battling Serious Health Challenges

Country music star Gretchen Wilson has made a remarkable return to the spotlight after clinching a victory on Fox’s ‘The Masked Singer.’ This triumph comes as Wilson has navigated significant health struggles, including severe COVID-19 symptoms that kept her away from the public eye.

During an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, she opened up about her hiatus and the battles she faced.

“I contracted COVID early on, and it was a tough ordeal,” Wilson explained. “The virus left me dealing with high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and asthma—issues I still manage today. It took me about two years to find the right doctors, including cardiologists, to help me get my blood pressure under control. The situation was serious enough that I couldn’t even handle light housework without my levels spiking to alarming heights.”

In addition to her battle with COVID-19, Wilson endured another significant setback.

“I also shattered my leg, which left me in a wheelchair for eight months,” she recalled. This combination of health issues has played a crucial role in why Wilson distanced herself from social media and, at times, from her career.

“I’m not the kind of person who goes online to lament my troubles. I prefer to keep that private,” she said. “I stayed away from the spotlight while I worked through everything. It took a long time, but I finally reached a point where I felt ready to get back into the mix.”

WATCH: GRETCHEN WILSON WINS ‘MASKED SINGER’ AFTER OVERCOMING SIGNIFICANT HEALTH CHALLENGES

Receiving an invitation to compete on ‘The Masked Singer’ proved to be a pivotal moment for her. Wilson viewed the opportunity as a chance to test her abilities and reignite her passion for performance.

“When they called and invited me, I thought, ‘What a great opportunity to see if my voice is still there,'” she shared. “It was challenging, but ultimately very fulfilling. The experience reassured me that I can still perform, that I want to perform, and that I need to do this in my life.”

Wilson relied on various tools to help manage her health issues while competing on the show.

“I use two inhalers daily and take a substantial beta blocker. I don’t feel much different during the show than I do while on tour, though performing for up to 90 minutes straight in the heat can be tough. I did feel dehydrated at times, which underscored how demanding the competition was.”

As Wilson embraces her return to music and entertainment, she has taken steps to collaborate with some industry heavyweights.

She has been working with Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed creator of ‘Yellowstone,’ alongside fellow artists Blake Shelton and Keith Urban.

“I had a conversation with Sheridan about possibly appearing in one of his shows. We didn’t dive too deep since we were focused on the project, but I hope to connect with him further in the future,” Wilson said. “He juggles many projects and collaborations, so we’ll see what happens.”

Reflecting on her experience working with Shelton and Urban, Wilson described the contrasting personalities of her fellow artists.

WATCH: GRETCHEN WILSON TALKS WORKING WITH BLAKE SHELTON AND KEITH URBAN

“Blake is always the life of the party—he’s hilarious. I could see him easily being a comedian if his music career hadn’t taken off,” she said with a laugh. “On the other hand, Keith is much more serious, but extraordinarily talented. Every time I work with him, I’m inspired to be the best version of myself. Watching him perform reminds me of my own aspirations in music.”

Wilson’s resilience shines as she returns to her roots in country music, further motivated by her recent experiences. Notably, she is not the only musician to take part in ‘The Masked Singer’; Brian Kelley, former singer of Florida Georgia Line, also joined the competition.

Kelley’s time on the show helped him explore new artistic avenues. “It was an absolute blast and a refreshing creative experience,” he recalled. “Going into it, I knew it would be wild and fun, but what I didn’t expect was how it would elevate my mindset. I felt liberated, able to fully embrace being myself and explore different genres and styles. The experience was transformative for me.”

As Wilson moves forward from her health struggles and personal challenges, her determination to reestablish herself in the music industry remains strong. Her journey serves as an inspiration for many who face their battles while pursuing their passions, illustrating that setbacks need not define one’s future.

Indeed, Gretchen Wilson is not just a survivor; she is a beacon of perseverance in the realm of country music.