Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Urges Husband Ladd to Slow Down After Rough Summer

Food Network star Ree Drummond is concerned about her husband Ladd's relentless workload after a particularly difficult summer. She hopes he can take a step back to preserve his health and well-being.

For years, Food Network star Ree Drummond has watched her husband, Ladd Drummond, toil tirelessly on their vast Oklahoma ranch. As a rancher with a long family history, Ladd has always been a pillar of strength and unwavering determination. However, Ree's recent blog post reveals a growing concern for her husband's well-being after an exceptionally demanding summer.

"A couple of weeks ago, after watching him limp inside, covered in dust and blood after a particularly long day, I actually said the words, 'I don't think we can do this anymore,'" Ree wrote. "It was partly in jest, but also maybe a little bit not."

Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Urges Husband Ladd to Slow Down After Rough Summer

Ree acknowledges that Ladd has never complained despite the escalating workload, the early mornings, and the constant grind. However, she worries about how much longer he can sustain such strenuous manual labor.

"How much harder can you work, how much longer can you do this, are you okay, is what I was really thinking," she reveals.

Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Urges Husband Ladd to Slow Down After Rough Summer

Ree's concerns stem not only from Ladd's relentless work ethic but also from a serious car accident he was involved in three years ago. While attempting to extinguish a wildfire on the ranch, Ladd suffered multiple fractures in his neck. The injuries required surgery and could have had catastrophic consequences.

Since the accident, Ree has been closely monitoring Ladd's health and is relieved to see him healing well. However, the incident has left her with a heightened awareness of the risks associated with his physically demanding lifestyle.

Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond Urges Husband Ladd to Slow Down After Rough Summer

"Have I mentioned cowboys don’t like to admit when they’re hurt?" Ree asks. "Ladd was transferred to Tulsa and had surgery to stabilize one of the fractures. Thanks to some rods and other hardware (and an amazing neurosurgeon named Dr. Kalani), it’s fixed now and that danger is over."

Despite Ree's concerns, Ladd remains committed to his work on the ranch. However, Ree hopes that he can find ways to reduce his workload and delegate tasks to others. She believes it is crucial for his long-term health and well-being.

"I think he would probably say, 'It's what he does and it's part of life,'" Ree writes. "But I don't want that to be the thing that does him in."

Ree's blog post has been met with overwhelming support from fans who share her concern for Ladd's well-being. Many have commented on the importance of self-care and encouraged Ree to continue advocating for her husband's health.

As Ree and Ladd continue to navigate the demanding challenges of ranch life, they are supported by their five children: Alex, 27, Paige, 24, Bryce, 21, Todd, 20, and Jamar, 21. Ree recently celebrated Paige's engagement in Dallas, Texas, and noted how fulfilling it was to see Ladd enjoy a break from his hard work.

"So to see him smiling and walking around and enjoying the celebration of his second child and the man she's gonna marry...well, it made me feel a little better about things," she said.

Ree and Ladd's story is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that farmers and ranchers make to provide food and sustenance for our communities. It is also a testament to the power of love and concern as loved ones advocate for the health and well-being of those closest to them.