Home / Arts and Entertainment / Doobie Brothers Star Michael McDonald Meets Son After 58 Years
Doobie Brothers Star Michael McDonald Meets Son After 58 Years
1 Oct
Summary
- Musician Michael McDonald met his son, given up for adoption mid-1960s.
- Son discovered connection via DNA test leading to their reunion.
- McDonald expressed relief and joy at his son's well-lived life.
Michael McDonald, the acclaimed Doobie Brothers musician, has experienced a deeply emotional reunion with his son, Michael Goessling. McDonald had placed Goessling for adoption in the mid-1960s when both were just 14 years old. Their reconnection began when Goessling's half-brother, unknown to him until recently, took a DNA test. This led to Goessling meeting his birth mother and subsequently discovering his father's identity.
Their initial conversations were over the phone, with Goessling unaware of McDonald's identity until he mentioned touring in St. Louis. McDonald, who has two children with his wife Amy Holland, expressed profound gratitude that his son had a happy and secure life, acknowledging the excellent care provided by Goessling's adoptive parents, Paul and Kay Goessling. Goessling also shared his positive childhood experiences and his appreciation for his adoptive family.
McDonald and Goessling eventually met in person, sharing a warm embrace and expressing mutual love. McDonald described the experience as wonderful, a long-awaited moment after years of thinking about his son. He also expressed pride in Goessling's wife and children, marveling at becoming a grandfather. This profound reunion serves as a testament to the positive outcomes of adoption.
