When Dexter Roberts mysteriously left the American Idol Live tour at the end of June, without a word, except for a cryptic statement from tour producers that the Alabama native had been let out of his contract by mutual agreement, speculation ran rampant.
Now, Dexter posts a message of explanation to his Facebook. He really IS sick as Jessica Meuse tweeted to fans asking about his absence. The singer has been diagnosed with Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever. It took awhile to diagnose, perhaps that’s why Dexter waited to address the issue with his fans:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my fans, friends and family for all their prayers, patience and support through my illness. After months of hospital and doctor visits, I finally have a diagnosis. I have Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever, with symptoms of fever, rash, headache, abdominal issues, shortness of breath and muscle pain.
After the American Idol finale show in May, I went on a turkey hunt in Kentucky. I found several ticks on me throughout the 4 day hunt, but that is nothing unusual for turkey hunting. Shortly after the American Idol tour started, I started having serve headaches, chest pains and muscle weakness on my left side, along with tremendous abdominal issues and shortness of breath. The medical facilities, while on tour, were unable to make a diagnosis. After my return home from the tour I found myself, once again, back at a hospital emergency room, where the doctor discovered a rash in my head from the tick bite. Day before yesterday, the blood work confirmed I have Rocky Mountain Spotted Tick Fever. I started medication yesterday.
Please continue to pray for my full recovery. I know God is in control of my life, and his path will be made clear for my music career. He is my rock and salivation, and I trusting in him.
Damn. What a tough break! Take care of yourself Dexter, and get well soon.
