Country music veteran Clay Walker is confronting a difficult chapter in his battle with multiple sclerosis but remains defiantly optimistic. Diagnosed nearly three decades ago in 1996, the 56‑year‑old singer says that early this year he began experiencing increased balance problems and difficulty walking, which raised alarm bells.
In response to the decline, Walker underwent surgery in March 2025 to implant a baclofen pump designed to deliver anti‑spasticity medication directly into his spinal fluid. While the procedure offered a dose of hope, he reports it has so far fallen short of his expectations. He admits his mobility is still compromised: “Balance has been an issue lately,” he said.
Despite the setback, Walker has not backed away from the stage. He is already booked for shows through 2026, and performing remains a source of profound joy for him. “My joy comes from being on stage… there is a rush of energy and endorphins that has no comparison,” he told PEOPLE.
Walker took stock of his journey: when first diagnosed, doctors predicted a grim future – potentially wheelchair‑bound or worse. But he beat those odds. Now, facing what he calls a “rough patch,” he remains undeterred. “I’m not giving up… I’m like a pit bull,” he said, adding: “So many people have so many different crosses they have to carry or bear — and this is mine.”
As Walker eyes the road ahead, his message is clear: the path may be harder, but the destination remains the same. The spotlight, the stage, the audience—they’re all still part of his story, and he isn’t stepping off.