Blind folk singer Doc Watson underwent colon surgery Thursday night and another follow-up procedure on Saturday. Watson's family was reportedly called to his bedside at on Sunday after he took a turn for a worse, his manager said. He remains in critical condition after the surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina.


"Doc did have a pretty difficult day today. But he pulled through," said Watson's manager Mitch Greenhill.

His daughter Nancy told the Winston-Salem Journal that her father fell lats week. Though he did not break any bones, she described that he was "real sick." It was after the fall that Watson underwent colon surgery.


Greenhill added that his condition is still serious. The 89-year-old folk singer is said to be responsive. Watson, who was born in Deep Gap and went blind at the age of one, is a legendary guitarist and folk-singer-songwriter. He has won a total of eight Grammy awards, one including a Lifetime Achievement Award. He is known for his flatpicking style of playing the guitar. He has previously played at Carnegie Hall and the White House.


Watson had two children, Nancy Ellen and Eddy Merle. Merle tragically died in a tractor accident on the farm in 1985. After his death, Watson started Merlefest in honor of his son.


"The family, while understanding and appreciating interest from Doc's friends and well-wishers, would appreciate privacy during this trying time," Greenhill said.