Rick Springfield Opens Up About Life After 25-Foot Fall, Brain Damage, and His Health Journey: ‘I’m Prepared to Face Whatever Comes’

Rick Springfield, the iconic singer behind the hit song “Jessie’s Girl,” has always been open about his personal struggles and triumphs, but in a recent interview, he shared one of the most personal chapters of his life yet. At 75 years old, Springfield is now dealing with the long-term effects of a bad fall he sustained 25 years ago. The fall, which occurred during a Las Vegas performance in 2000, left Springfield with brain damage—something he was unaware of until recently.

In an exclusive interview with People, Springfield revealed that a full-body MRI scan, taken as part of his ongoing health monitoring, uncovered the brain damage he sustained from the accident. “I fell 25 feet, hit my head and then wood came down and hit my head, and then my head hit the stage again,” Springfield explained. “I thought I had just broken my wrist, but on the scan, I found out I have some brain damage from the fall, so I’m working on trying to repair that.”

This revelation was a shock to the singer, who had been living with the physical and mental aftermath of the fall without fully understanding the extent of the damage. The unexpected diagnosis serves as a stark reminder of how health issues—especially the ones we ignore or don’t fully understand—can shape our lives. For Springfield, this MRI scan provided a new perspective on his health, as well as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking medical attention.

A Family Lesson: Facing Health Issues Head-On

Springfield’s openness about his health struggles is rooted in a deeply personal experience. He revealed that his father’s refusal to seek medical care ultimately led to his death. “My dad died from not wanting to know,” Springfield shared. “He thought he had stomach cancer for years and never got it checked out. When he finally collapsed one day at home, they found out it was an ulcer that burst, and he died from the loss of blood. It could have been fixed if he had gotten it checked out.”

This tragic event served as a powerful lesson for Springfield, one that shaped his approach to his own health. “That was a giant message to me: If you want to live long, you have to be prepared for some bad news now and then. I could find out I have terminal cancer tomorrow and be dead in a year, but I can only do all I can do,” he said.

Springfield’s candid reflections highlight a reality many people face—the fear of knowing the truth about their health. But he stresses the importance of facing it head-on. “You’ve got to embrace it,” he said, speaking about death and the inevitable nature of life’s end. “It’s not a death wish by any stretch. But it’s important to be aware of it.”

Adapting His Lifestyle: Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Exercise

While Springfield faces the long-term consequences of his fall, he’s also dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as he ages. In the interview, he shared that he exercises every day, even while on the road with his band, and he focuses on an anti-inflammatory diet. “I’ll have meat now and then if I feel like (I’m) feeling a little weak, but I don’t eat dairy or anything like that. I’m on a big anti-inflammation kick,” Springfield said.

In addition to his dietary changes, Springfield has made significant cuts to his alcohol consumption. “I’m not (in) AA—I mean, I know a lot of people it’s worked for. I’ll have a couple of sips of vodka or something when I’m on stage, but I don’t drink any other time,” he explained. This conscious shift in his habits reflects Springfield’s growing awareness of the need to prioritize his health, especially as he deals with the aftermath of the fall and the brain damage it caused.

His approach to health, however, isn’t just about diet and exercise. Springfield has also learned to embrace the emotional and psychological aspects of aging. While he admits that the concept of death is still a bit unsettling, he’s come to terms with it in a way that allows him to live a full and meaningful life.

Embracing Life’s Uncertainty

At 75, Rick Springfield isn’t afraid of death, and he’s developed a more profound understanding of the fragility of life. “I think I have a better handle on dying than I used to. I’ve faced it a couple of times, but my heart still jumps into my mouth when the plane drops. I’m not as evolved as I like to think,” he admitted. “You can only put on the party dress, but what happens at the party is up to the gods.”

These words reflect a deep sense of acceptance. Springfield’s life hasn’t been without its challenges, but he has made peace with the idea that life—and death—are beyond his full control. While he remains dedicated to living as healthily as possible, he also recognizes that some things are simply out of his hands.

His ability to find peace with death, combined with his commitment to maintaining his health, has allowed Springfield to keep performing and living life with vigor. He maintains a rigorous exercise routine and continues to connect with his fans through music, all while facing the reality of his age and his health.

The Road Ahead: Living with Purpose

Despite the brain damage from his fall, Springfield remains determined to continue living with purpose. He’s not letting his diagnosis define him, and instead, he’s focused on taking care of his body and mind so he can continue doing what he loves. Springfield’s journey isn’t just about managing health issues—it’s about living fully, embracing the uncertainties of life, and continuing to pursue the things that bring him joy.

His story serves as a reminder to all of us: that life is unpredictable, but we can still take steps to live as well as possible, despite the challenges we face. Springfield has dealt with more than his fair share of obstacles, yet he remains committed to maintaining his health and his passion for music. As he continues to navigate life at 75, his story offers an inspiring lesson on resilience, self-care, and embracing life’s most difficult realities with grace and strength.

In the end, Springfield’s ability to face the challenges of aging and health with such honesty and openness is what truly sets him apart. His journey is one of perseverance, self-awareness, and a determination to keep living life to its fullest—no matter what obstacles lie ahead.