Mel Tillis Leaves the Hospital

Country music legend Mel Tillis is slated to leave the hospital and return home Friday (March 14), less than a week after undergoing surgery.

The 81-year-old Country Music Hall of Fame member was hospitalized last weekend to undergo a routine heart procedure.

His daughter, country star Pam Tillis, shared an update on his health in a press release, saying, "Dad is doing great and is happy to be leaving the hospital in time to catch today's Florida vs. Missouri game."

The elder Tillis has scored a slew of hits as both a songwriter and a performer. Artists who have cut his songs include Kenny Rogers (‘Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town’), George Strait (‘Thoughts of a Fool’) and Ricky Skaggs (‘Honey, Open That Door’). His own hits include ‘I Believe in You,’ ‘Southern Rains’ and ‘Coca-Cola Cowboy.’ He is also an actor, appearing in films including ‘Every Which Way But Loose,’ ‘Smokey and the Bandit II’ and ‘The Cannonball Run.’

He was named BMI's Songwriter of the Decade for two decades, and in 2012 he was presented with the National Medal of Arts by President Obama.

Tillis plans to resume his touring schedule soon, and also intends to release new music later this year.