Ree Drummond Demands Husband Ladd Quit Ranching: He’s Struggling with Health Crisis
Ree Drummond, the Food Network star and beloved face behind The Pioneer Woman, has long shared the highs and lows of her family’s life on their sprawling ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
But in a recent heartfelt blog post, Ree revealed a more vulnerable side, expressing deep concerns about her husband Ladd’s health and the toll that ranching continues to take on him.
As the family confronts these challenges, they are forced to reevaluate their future and the sustainability of their demanding lifestyle.
This past summer proved particularly grueling for Ladd Drummond, whose days were filled with early mornings, physically taxing labor, and an unrelenting workload.
Ree described one especially alarming moment when Ladd limped into the house, covered in dust and blood after an exhausting day.
In that instant, Ree found herself blurting out words she never thought she’d say: “I don’t think we can do this anymore.”
Her mix of humor and genuine worry underscored just how much the family patriarch has been pushing himself to his limits.
This isn’t the first time Ladd’s health has been a cause for concern.
Ree reminded readers of a harrowing accident in 2021 when Ladd broke his neck in two places after a truck collision on the ranch.
Remarkably, Ladd attended their daughter Alex’s wedding shortly after the incident, wearing a neck brace and soldiering through the festivities.
While his resilience has always been a defining trait, the cumulative effects of years of ranch work are beginning to weigh heavily on him—and on Ree.
Despite these challenges, Ree finds solace in the moments of joy that punctuate their lives.
Recently, the family came together to celebrate the engagement of their daughter Paige, a gathering that brought smiles and laughter to an otherwise difficult summer.
Ree shared how seeing Ladd enjoy the celebration, walking around and smiling, gave her a glimmer of hope.
“It made me feel a little better about things,” she admitted, though her underlying concerns remain.
Interestingly, Paige has recently taken on a more prominent role at the ranch, moving into the house that once belonged to Ree and Ladd.
As the first of the Drummond children to work full-time on the ranch, Paige’s involvement marks a significant shift for the family.
However, Ree candidly acknowledged the physical toll the work has already taken on her daughter, describing Paige as “banged up, scratched, bruised, and clobbered.”
Despite this, Ree couldn’t hide her pride in Paige’s resilience and determination, qualities that mirror the family’s enduring connection to their land.
As summer winds down, the Drummonds are hoping for a slower pace and fewer challenges in the months ahead.
Ree’s reflections in her blog paint a picture of a family deeply tied to their ranch and to each other, navigating the physical demands of their lifestyle while cherishing the moments that bring them happiness.
Yet, the question of how to balance tradition with health and well-being looms large.
The Drummond family’s story is one of grit, love, and perseverance, but it’s also a reminder of the sacrifices that come with maintaining a way of life rooted in hard work.
Ladd’s role as the ranch’s most devoted caretaker has become increasingly precarious, and Ree’s candid acknowledgment of his struggles signals a potential turning point for the family.
As they move forward, it remains to be seen whether the Drummonds will adapt to a new chapter or double down on their commitment to the ranching lifestyle.
For now, fans of The Pioneer Woman can only admire Ree’s honesty and vulnerability as she navigates these challenges with grace.
The Drummonds’ journey underscores the realities of ranch life—its hardships, its beauty, and the deep bonds it fosters.
Whether they choose to make significant changes or find ways to ease the burden while staying true to their roots, one thing is clear: the love and dedication that define the Drummond family will guide them through whatever comes next.
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