Michael McDonald Reunites With Son Given Up for Adoption Nearly 60 Years Ago

Michael Goessling, a resident of St. Louis, has learned that Doobie Brothers singer Michael McDonald is his biological father. Goessling was placed for adoption as an infant nearly 60 years ago, after McDonald and a girlfriend conceived him when both were just 14 years old.

Goessling, now 58, was raised in St. Louis by adoptive parents Paul and Kay Goessling. He has said he always knew he was adopted and describes his upbringing as a wonderful childhood, crediting his adoptive parents for raising him well.

• Goessling was conceived when both biological parents were 14 years old and adopted as an infant.
• A 23andMe DNA test taken by a half-brother he did not know existed led to the discovery, with Goessling getting a notification email within 36 hours identifying the half-brother.
• Goessling met his birth mother in person for the first time on his 58th birthday.
• McDonald, 74, and Goessling’s biological mother, identified in McDonald’s memoir as Diane, have stayed close friends over the years.

How Michael Goessling Learned His Father Was Michael McDonald

After connecting with his half-brother through the DNA test, Goessling eventually spoke with his biological father by phone. When Goessling asked the man what he did for a living, McDonald explained he was a musician getting ready to tour through St. Louis.

That detail prompted Goessling to ask directly, “Are you Michael McDonald?” McDonald answered, “Yeah, I’m afraid so.”

The shared first name between father and son is simply a coincidence; Goessling’s adoptive mother, Kay, picked the name independently of any connection to McDonald.

What Michael McDonald Said About Finding His Son

McDonald has said he carried guilt for decades over not knowing what became of the son he and Diane gave up as teenagers. He called learning that Goessling had a good, stable upbringing “a great reward,” adding that he wouldn’t have been able to provide that kind of life for his son at the time.

McDonald credited Paul and Kay Goessling for giving his son the love and security he needed growing up, describing the adoptive couple as “the real rock stars in this story.”

When Goessling and McDonald eventually met face to face, the two embraced in a hug and each told the other that they loved him.

Michael McDonald Also Discovered He’s a Grandfather

The reunion brought McDonald another surprise: he learned he is also a grandfather. He called the news “a gift,” praising his daughter-in-law and grandchildren and saying he is still processing the development.

McDonald first revealed publicly that he had fathered a child as a young teenager in his 2024 memoir, “What a Fool Believes,” co-written with Paul Reiser. In the book, he described his teenage self as a “clueless eighth grader” and noted that Diane’s parents sent her away after learning of the pregnancy.

More Info

• St. Louis Man Discovers His Father Is Michael McDonald | Stereogum
• Adoptee learns that Grammy Award-winning singer Michael McDonald is biological father | wgauradio.com
• Nearly 60 years after his adoption, man learns Grammy Award-winning musician Michael McDonald is his biological father | kfyrtv.com
• Nearly 60 years after his adoption, man learns Grammy Award-winning musician Michael McDonald is his biological father | wabi.tv
• St. Louis Man Learns Michael McDonald Is His Father | stl.news
• Michael McDonald Finally Meets His Long-Lost Son | Ultimate Classic Rock
• Adopted St. Louis man discovers his biological father is a Grammy-winning artist | firstalert4.com