Adopted man discovers Grammy winner and rock icon is his biological dad after DNA test
Adopted man discovers Grammy winner and rock icon is his biological dad after DNA test
Frankie CollinsFri, October 2, 2026 at 6:35 PM UTC
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A Missouri man knew he was adopted but never imagined a DNA match would lead him to a famous singer -Credit:x
For the majority of his life, Michael Goessling was aware he had been adopted. What he could never have anticipated was learning that his biological father was the legendary voice behind some of rock music's most iconic tracks.
The Missouri resident was shocked to discover his dad is Michael McDonald, the five-time Grammy winner and Doobie Brothers vocalist. His birth parents were merely 14 years old when he was conceived, and he was adopted as a baby by Paul and Kay Goessling, who brought him up in St. Louis.
The discovery came after a DNA test was taken by a half-brother Goessling didn't know existed. It follows Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown and her husband Jake Bongiovi's announcement that they have adopted a child together.
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The genetic match alerted the family to his existence and triggered a series of encounters that would ultimately lead him to meet the celebrated father he had never known.
Goessling shared with St. Louis station First Alert 4 that he experienced a joyful childhood and couldn't have wished for better adoptive parents. Nevertheless, he had always been curious about his origins.
Michael was stunned to learn his dad is Michael McDonald, the five-time Grammy winner -Credit:KMOV St. Louis
Following contact with his birth mother on his 58th birthday, Goessling subsequently had a phone conversation with his biological father.
The individual revealed that he was a musician getting ready for a tour performance in St. Louis - a hint that immediately made everything fall into place.
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Goessling inquired, "Are you Michael McDonald?" His father's response was, "Yeah, I'm afraid so."
He was speaking with the Doobie Brothers star behind hits including What a Fool Believes and the solo track I Keep Forgettin'. The fact that both father and son share the name Michael was purely coincidental.
McDonald, 74, revealed he and Goessling's birth mother had maintained a close friendship throughout the years. They had discussed the son they gave up for adoption, he told the station, and wondered about the life he went on to lead.
For McDonald, discovering that Goessling had been cherished and properly cared for brought immense relief. He also acknowledged harboring guilt over not knowing his son's fate, though he admitted he couldn't have provided the life his adoptive parents offered when he was a teenager.
Goessling has two children of his own, making McDonald a grandfather. -Credit:KMOV St. Louis
The two have since met face-to-face. Goessling remembered his father extending his arms for an embrace and expressing his love.
He reciprocated the sentiment to McDonald.
Their reunion brought an additional surprise for the musician. Goessling is father to two children himself, making McDonald a grandfather.
The artist spoke affectionately about his newly found daughter-in-law and grandchildren, but saved his greatest admiration for those who brought up his son.
"The real rock stars in this story are his adoptive parents," he said.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
