EXCLUSIVE: Michael McDonald’s long-lost son reveals stunning moment he discovered famous father after 58 years

Michael Goessling, adopted as an infant, discovered shortly before his 58th birthday that his biological father is the renowned Doobie Brothers singer Michael McDonald. The revelation came after Goessling reconnected with his biological mother and, during a conversation with his biological father, pieced together his identity through details about touring and a familiar voice. Goessling, who had been a lifelong fan of McDonald and the Doobie Brothers, had unknowingly seen his father perform in concert twice.

• Michael Goessling learned at nearly 58 years old that his biological father is Michael McDonald, the singer for the Doobie Brothers.
• Goessling was adopted as an infant through Catholic Charities and had always known he was adopted but had no information about his biological parents.
• He reconnected with his biological mother first, and during a conversation with his biological father, a musician named ‘Mike,’ he realized who he was.
• Goessling discovered he had been a fan of McDonald’s music since childhood and had attended Doobie Brothers concerts twice without knowing the singer was his father.
• He views his adoption as a blessing and hopes his story can help elevate the conversation around adoption.
• Goessling’s adoptive mother has fully embraced his biological family.