#77 When Chronic Illness Changes the Tune: A Musician’s Journey Through Diabetes and Stroke
In this episode of It Happened To Me, we share a powerful story of resilience, creativity, and determination in the face of serious health challenges.
We’re honored to welcome Carolyn Routh, an award-winning musician, entrepreneur, and frontwoman of the acclaimed bluegrass band Nu-Blu. With more than two decades on the road, multiple Billboard Top Ten albums, and appearances on platforms like CBS Sunday Morning, Carolyn has built an extraordinary career in music. What many don’t see is the parallel journey she’s been navigating behind the scenes—living with Type I diabetes and recovering from multiple strokes.
Carolyn’s health challenges reshaped not only her life, but her art. During her stroke recovery, she taught herself to play bass, reinventing her role in the band and reclaiming her place on stage with a renewed sense of purpose. In this conversation, we explore what it means to pursue a demanding creative career while managing chronic illness, how music can become part of healing, and what resilience really looks like when the unexpected changes everything.
In This Episode, We Discuss:
Carolyn’s early diagnosis with Type I diabetes and how it shaped her life before fame
Surviving multiple strokes and the recovery process
Learning to play bass as part of rehabilitation and healing
Returning to the stage after major health trauma
Balancing touring, recording, and performance with ongoing health needs
Making career accommodations without giving up on dreams
How lived experience influences Nu-Blu’s music
Navigating marriage, creativity, and entrepreneurship through serious illness
The power of community, music, and perseverance
Advice for anyone worried a diagnosis will limit their future
Resources:
BlueGrass Ridge Syndicated TV Show hosted by Carolyn and Daniel Routh
FDA Drug Safety Communication: Updated information about the risk of blood clots in women taking birth control pills containing drospirenone (including Yasmin and Yaz)
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“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.
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