Michael McDonald meets son nearly six decades after having him adopted

After nearly six decades apart,  Michael McDonald has reunited with his long-lost son, Michael Goessling, whom he never had the chance to raise. Their reunion followed an unexpected family discovery through DNA testing.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the connection began when McDonald’s other son, Dylan McDonald, took a 23andMe DNA test and discovered a half-brother living in St. Louis, Missouri. The discovery eventually led Goessling to meet his birth mother on his 58th birthday, paving the way for him to connect with his biological father Michael MCDonald.

McDonald and his former girlfriend were both only 14 years old when they had Goessling. Because they were so young, they were unable to raise their son and eventually had to give him up for adoption. 

Raised by his adoptive parents, Paul and Kay Goessling, in St. Louis, Goessling had always known he was adopted. However, he had no idea whatsoever that his biological father was the famous singer.

During their first phone conversation, Goessling asked McDonald about his work. When McDonald explained that he was a musician and that his band would be touring in St. Louis, Goessling began putting the pieces together. He eventually asked if he was speaking to Michael McDonald, prompting the singer to reply, “Yeah, I’m afraid so.”

As reported by 7News Australia, the two eventually met in person, greeting each other with a warm “bear hug” and immediately expressing their love for one another. Goessling recalled that McDonald told him he loved him, and he returned the sentiment.

McDonald, 74, praised Goessling’s adoptive parents, Paul and Kay, for providing their son with a loving and secure home, calling them the “real rock stars.”

The veteran musician, who shares two children with his wife, Amy Holland, is also adjusting to another meaningful discovery: Goessling has children of his own, making the singer a grandfather.

McDonald rose to fame as the lead vocalist and keyboardist of the Doobie Brothers, joining the band in 1975 and helping shape its sound with his soulful vocals and R&B influences. He contributed to hits such as “Takin’ It to the Streets” and “What a Fool Believes.” 

McDonald and The Doobie Brothers have also reunited and are touring as part of their "Walk This Road" tour.