Bonnie Raitt cancels Charlotte date with James Taylor due to health reasons

Bonnie Raitt will no longer be able to open for James Taylor & His All-Star Band on May 16 in Charlotte due to "an unexpected medical situation" that will require the 68-year-old blues singer-songwriter to have surgery soon.

The Spectrum Center concert is one of several dates she had to cancel on Taylor's summer tour, though she said in a statement that she expects to make a full recovery and plans to join him on the second leg that begins June 22.

A press release issued by her team on Monday didn't specify the nature of her health problems.

"I'm deeply sorry to have to disappoint my fans, James and colleagues with these cancellations," Raitt said in the release. "I was so looking forward to our tour, but I'm very grateful that the doctors feel this can be taken care of with surgery. I'm feeling strong and am in great hands with my wonderful team. ... Thank you all for your concern and understanding that the best gift you could give me is respecting my wish for privacy and giving me space to heal. Can't wait to see you all back on the road again soon!"

Spectrum Center's website does not yet reflect Raitt's withdrawal, but the press release notes that anyone who bought tickets for the Charlotte show because they mainly were interested in seeing Raitt can request a refund at the original point of purchase.

Raitt also toured with Taylor last summer.

Said Taylor, in the press release: "Of course, there is no question as to the priority of your health, Bonnie. You will be constantly in our hearts and minds until we see you in June."

The Charlotte show will now be re-titled "An Evening with James Taylor & His All-Star Band," featuring two sets with a brief intermission.

This story was originally published April 30, 2018 at 1:12 PM with the headline "Bonnie Raitt cancels Charlotte date with James Taylor due to health reasons."