In February 2024, Gabrielle Mooney, a country singer and sibling of Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney, faced a life-threatening medical crisis. According to PEOPLE’s exclusive report, she collapsed at her Arkansas home, requiring urgent neurosurgical intervention.
The procedure addressed hydrocephalus—a fluid buildup in the brain—and a cyst. Despite the severity, Gabrielle later described experiencing “complete peace” during the ordeal. Her recovery has drawn support from her family, including her Grammy-winning brother.
This incident highlights the unpredictability of neurological conditions. It also underscores the tight-knit bonds within the country music community, where the Mooney family has deep roots.
Key Takeaways
- Gabrielle Mooney underwent urgent neurosurgery in February 2024.
- The condition involved hydrocephalus and a brain cyst.
- Her brother, Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay, publicly supported her.
- PEOPLE magazine first reported the medical emergency.
- Gabrielle shared her emotional resilience post-surgery.
Gabrielle Mooney’s Life-Saving Emergency Brain Surgery
A severe headache during a drive from Nashville to Arkansas marked the start of a medical nightmare. By Valentine’s Day 2024, the pain escalated, leading to a collapse at her family home. Cindy Mooney found her daughter vomiting at 3 AM, unaware of the life-threatening condition unfolding.
The Sudden Health Crisis
Gabrielle lost consciousness immediately after collapsing. For 14 days, she remained unresponsive in the hospital. Doctors later revealed cardiac arrest occurred due to extreme cerebrospinal fluid pressure.
“God was pushing me back down,”
she reflected in an Instagram video.
Diagnosis: Hydrocephalus and a Brain Cyst
Surgeons diagnosed hydrocephalus—a dangerous fluid buildup in the brain’s ventricles. A massive cyst, described as “one of the biggest” by the medical team, required emergency ventriculostomy. The procedure relieved pressure by draining excess fluid.
Hydrocephalus affects 1 in 1,000 infants, but adult cases like Gabrielle’s are rarer and often riskier. Her mother Cindy recalled the terror of that night:
“One minute she was fine, the next—we were fighting for her life.”
The Harrowing Journey to Recovery
Waking up in a hospital bed marked just the beginning of a grueling recovery. The first face she saw was her brother’s, gently rubbing her feet and whispering,
“Hey Sissy.”
That moment, captured in a later social mediavideo, symbolized the unwavering support that would define her healing process.
Waking Up in the Hospital
Consciousness returned slowly, accompanied by confusion and physical limitations. Right-side facial paralysis made even a simple smile impossible. Doctors explained the damage to her facial nerve, a common complication after such surgeries.
Temporary vision issues added to the frustration. Yet, her family’s presence—especially her brother’s daily visits—became an emotional anchor during those uncertain early days.
Facial Paralysis and Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation plan included:
- Physical therapy to restore muscle control
- Mirror exercises to retrain facial movements
- Cognitive drills to address lingering fog
Progress was slow. In one candid post, she joked about blaming her sister for pulling out an IV mid-treatment. Despite challenges, her medical team remained optimistic about full recovery.
Today, her asymmetric smile serves as a reminder of resilience—a testament to reclaiming life after crisis.
A Love Story Forged in Crisis
Amidst the chaos of a medical emergency, a love story deepened. Graylan Stone, Gabrielle Mooney’s partner, became her steadfast advocate during her coma. His quiet acts of care—like closing her unresponsive eye—revealed a bond strengthened by adversity.
Graylan Stone’s Unwavering Support
Stone met Mooney at a gym in 2021, a chance encounter that grew into devotion. When she collapsed, he coordinated with doctors and her family, bridging gaps in her care. His Northeast roots initially raised eyebrows, but Mooney later admitted:
“I had prejudice about northern boys—until Graylan showed me his heart.”
Their shared faith and values smoothed cultural differences. Stone even worked with Mooney’s father on construction projects, cementing his place in the family.
The Proposal That Followed
By May 2023, Stone planned a surprise. On her grandparents’ porch, he proposed with a heirloom ring—a tribute to their shared history. The table below outlines key moments in their relationship:
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Met at a gym in Arkansas |
| Feb 2024 | Stone supported Mooney during coma |
| May 2023 | Proposed with grandmother’s ring |
The crisis tested their love, but as Mooney reflected,
“Real love isn’t just about the good days—it’s who stays for the hard ones.”
Shay Mooney’s Heartwarming Wedding Gift
The historic Mooney property underwent a stunning transformation for a special occasion. What began as a 1940s farmhouse became a dream venue, thanks to a collaboration with HGTV’s Fixer to Fabulous stars Dave and Jenny Marrs. The renovation preserved the home’s rustic charm while modernizing it for wedding festivities.
Renovating the Family Farmhouse
Shay Mooney conceptualized the project as a tribute to his family’s roots. The Marrs Construction team restored the original hardwood floors and exposed beams, blending vintage details with contemporary comforts. Jenny Marrs noted:
“This wasn’t just a renovation—it was a labor of love for generations of memories.”
The property’s barn was converted into a reception space, featuring chandeliers and reclaimed wood accents. Though the renovation cost remains undisclosed, local estimates suggest a significant increase in market value.
A Dream Wedding Venue
The upgrades enabled seamless wedding day preparations. The farmhouse’s sprawling porch became a ceremony backdrop, echoing Dan + Shay’s hit From the Ground Up. Guests enjoyed the property’s new amenities, including a custom-built bridal suite.
For the Mooneys, the restored home marked more than an event space—it symbolized a new chapter in life. As Shay later shared, the project honored their past while celebrating future milestones.
Gabrielle Mooney’s Emotional Wedding Day
November 4, 2023, marked a day of celebration for Gabrielle Mooney as she exchanged vows in a heartfelt ceremony. The renovated family farmhouse in Arkansas provided a picturesque backdrop, blending rustic charm with personal history. Over 150 people gathered to witness the union, reflecting the couple’s deep ties to their community.
A Vintage-Inspired Ceremony
Gabrielle’s wedding attire combined Southern elegance with whimsical details. She wore a lace gown paired with knee-high cowboy boots, a nod to her Arkansas roots. Her sidesaddle entrance on horseback added a unique touch, symbolizing her love for equestrian traditions.
The decor featured heirloom quilts and wildflower centerpieces, echoing the venue’s rustic aesthetic. Guests later described the ceremony as “authentically Gabrielle”—intimate yet lively. A social media post captioned “Mrs. Stone” captured her joy, showcasing her signature smile.
Shay Mooney’s Touching Performance
Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney honored his sister with a live rendition of their hit From the Ground Up. The acoustic performance underscored the song’s themes of enduring love and family bonds. Attendees noted the emotional weight of the moment, with many sharing clips online.
The reception featured a curated playlist blending country classics and modern hits. Dancing under string lights, the newlyweds celebrated their journey—from crisis to newfound happiness. The day culminated with a sparkler exit, a fitting end to a celebration of resilience.
Life After Brain Surgery: Reflections and New Beginnings
The transition from hospital to home marked a pivotal chapter in Gabrielle Mooney’s recovery journey. Rural Arkansas’s slower pace proved instrumental in regaining physical and emotional stability. This phase blended medical diligence with creative renewal, revealing unexpected paths forward.
Moving Back to Arkansas
Leaving Nashville for Natural Dam prioritized long-term health over career convenience. The relocation involved selling a suburban property and securing a quieter space near family. Medical teams endorsed the move, noting rural settings often reduce stress during rehabilitation.
- Lower sensory overload: Fewer distractions aided cognitive therapy
- Family support system: Proximity to relatives ensured daily assistance
- Nature therapy: Outdoor walks improved motor skills
Music as a Path to Healing
Writing lyrics became a neuroplasticity exercise, retraining neural pathways damaged by surgery. Her single As The Crow Flies originated during this period, blending country roots with raw vulnerability. Studio sessions were adapted to accommodate fatigue, with shorter recording blocks.
Therapeutic techniques included:
- Rhythm exercises to restore speech cadence
- Collaborative writing to combat creative blocks
- Melodic memory games for cognitive sharpness
“Country music doesn’t care where you write it—just that it’s true.”
Upcoming tour plans remain tentative, with doctors emphasizing gradual reintegration into performances. For now, healing continues through melodies and the steadfast support of home.
Conclusion
Life after a major health crisis brings new perspectives and priorities. The Mooney family’s renovated Arkansas farmhouse now serves as a sanctuary for healing and creativity. According to medical experts, Gabrielle’s recovery progress underscores the importance of post-surgical support systems.
Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney continues to balance music collaborations with advocacy, raising hydrocephalus awareness. The family’s public efforts include partnerships with neurological health organizations, emphasizing early screenings.
Professionally, Gabrielle has resumed songwriting, blending country roots with themes of resilience. Reflecting on her journey, she shared:
“God’s plans reveal themselves in unexpected ways.”
For resources on brain cyst education, visit the Hydrocephalus Association. Prioritize regular health check-ups—early detection saves lives.
FAQ
What condition led to Gabrielle Mooney’s emergency brain surgery?
She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and a brain cyst, requiring immediate medical intervention.
How did Graylan Stone support Gabrielle during her recovery?
He provided constant care and emotional support, later proposing to her as she regained strength.
What role did Shay Mooney play in Gabrielle’s wedding?
He gifted a renovated family farmhouse as a wedding venue and performed during the ceremony.
What challenges did Gabrielle face post-surgery?
She experienced temporary facial paralysis and underwent extensive rehabilitation.
How did music influence Gabrielle’s healing process?
Returning to singing helped her regain confidence and emotional stability after the trauma.
Where did Gabrielle and Graylan settle after her recovery?
They moved back to Arkansas, embracing a quieter life near family.
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