Folk musician Doc Watson critical in NC hospital

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Grammy-winning folk musician Doc Watson is in critical condition Friday at a North Carolina hospital after falling at his home in Deep Gap earlier this week.

A spokeswoman at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem says Watson remains in critical condition Friday morning.

Watson’s daughter, Nancy, told The Associated Press the 89-year-old Watson fell Monday. She said he did not break any bones.

The blind singer and guitarist, whose legal first name is Arthel, has won several Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award. He also received the National Medal of the Arts.

He’s known as a master of the flatpicking style of guitar playing. He also started Merlefest, an annual gathering of musicians in North Wilkesboro named after his son, a musician who died in a tractor accident in 1985.