Colt Ford's Near-Death Experience Inspires Perspective Shift on Independence Day

Country music star Colt Ford opens up about his traumatic heart attack experience and how it has transformed his appreciation for American freedoms. Ford details the moments leading up to his collapse and the grim prognosis he received upon waking up.

In the aftermath of a near-fatal heart attack, country music star Colt Ford has emerged with a profound gratitude for American freedoms and a renewed perspective on life. Ford recounts the chilling details of his April ordeal in Phoenix, Arizona, where he collapsed backstage after a performance.

"I didn't even remember coming out here to do a show in Phoenix," Ford recalled in an interview. "We played this great, sold-out show, and it was incredible. I walked back to the bus, texted my fiancée, 'Hi, baby,' and fell over dead."

Ford's heart attack was so severe that he died twice on the way to the hospital. Fortunately, his band members found him unconscious and rushed him to receive medical attention.

"I died two times," Ford said. "All of a sudden, that's when all hell broke loose."

The 54-year-old singer underwent multiple stints and experienced complications with his gallbladder. Despite the harrowing incident, Ford is determined to make the most of his second chance.

"The Lord had more for me to do, more music for me to make, hopefully, more differences to make in some people's lives," Ford declared.

While recovering in the hospital, Ford was given a sobering prognosis. "I wouldn't have given you 1%, I would have given you 0.1% that you would have survived," his doctor told him.

"I had so much trauma to my body and my heart," Ford said. "There's just so much going on."

The near-death experience has drastically altered Ford's outlook on life. "It's been life-changing," he admitted. "It's been spiritually changing. Obviously, it's been physically changing. It's just been a crazy experience. ... I'm not still a hundred percent out of the woods yet. I'm gonna have to learn how to be a little selfish for a while before I get myself better."

Ford's appreciation for American freedoms has also been heightened. "This changed my perspective and outlook on lots of things," he said. "Live every day like it's your last because one day it will be."

Colt Ford is determined to return to the stage stronger than ever. "I'm gonna try to come back bigger and stronger and better than ever," he vowed. "I'm grateful for another chance to experience life again."