In a deeply emotional and long-awaited interview, country and gospel singer Jimmy Fortune, former member of The Statler Brothers, opened up about one of the most personal and painful chapters of his life — revealing that his firstborn son was born with spina bifida, a serious birth defect affecting the spine.
With quiet strength and raw honesty, Jimmy spoke not just as a singer or public figure, but as a father who once faced a world of uncertainty and heartbreak, silently carrying a burden too heavy to put into words — until he turned it into a song.
“I didn’t know how to talk about what I was feeling,” Jimmy shared. “So I did what I’ve always done. I sat down, and I wrote. That’s how ‘Too Much on My Heart’ was born.”
Released in 1985, “Too Much on My Heart” quickly became one of The Statler Brothers’ most beloved ballads, touching millions with its haunting melody and vulnerable lyrics. But few knew — until now — that behind every word was the voice of a young father, praying, grieving, and holding on.
“There’s too much on my heart and I can’t bear the weight…”
“And it’s tearing me apart and I’ve tried, but I can’t escape…”
Jimmy revealed that the song was written during one of the darkest seasons of his life, when fear, love, and helplessness collided as he watched his newborn son face a future filled with surgeries, uncertainty, and struggle.
“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever lived through,” he said, his voice breaking. “You look at your child and you’d trade places in a heartbeat — but all you can do is love them through it.”
Over the years, Jimmy has rarely spoken about his son’s condition, choosing to keep much of his family life private. But in sharing this story now, he says he hopes to give comfort and encouragement to other parents walking a similar path.
“You’re not alone,” he said. “And even when you feel like the weight is too much — there’s still grace. There’s still love. And sometimes, there’s a song that can hold the words you don’t know how to say.”
Fans have responded with an overwhelming wave of support and love, many expressing that “Too Much on My Heart” helped them through their own silent griefs — never realizing that the song itself was born from one of Jimmy’s own.
Now, with time, perspective, and faith, Jimmy sees his son not through the lens of pain — but of purpose.
“He taught me more about life, love, and courage than anyone ever has,” Jimmy said. “And every time I sing that song, I remember where we started… and how far we’ve come.”
