Musician Michael McDonald Meets His 58-Year-Old Biological Son — Rolling Stone

Musician Michael McDonald has met his 58-year-old biological son, Michael Gessling of St. Louis, who found his biological parents through a DNA test. Rolling Stone reports.

Connection Through a DNA Test

Gessling was adopted as an infant by Paul and Kay Gessling. He knew about the adoption and said he had a happy childhood with his adoptive family, but wanted to learn more about his biological parents.

Later, a half-brother whose existence Gessling had previously not known about contacted him. He took a 23andMe DNA test and, in less than 36 hours, received a notification that he was related to Michael Gessling.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

Meeting His Father

On his 58th birthday, Gessling met his biological mother in person and later spoke with his father by phone. His father said that he worked as a musician and would come to St. Louis on tour in the summer. Gessling then asked whether he was Michael McDonald.

Gessling’s biological parents were both 14 when he was placed for adoption. McDonald told a local television station that he and Gessling’s biological mother had stayed in touch and thought about their son’s fate for years. During their in-person meeting, McDonald hugged Gessling and also learned that he has grandchildren.