Adopted St. Louis Man Reunites with Birth Father Michael McDonald

Son of rock musician Michael McDonald learns famous dad’s identity

NewsNation • 03 oct. 16h55

Michael Goessling, adopted as a child and longtime fan of the Doobie Brothers, learned in 2025 that his biological father is Grammy-winning vocalist Michael McDonald after a law-firm notice prompted contact with his birth parents.

Doobie Brothers star Michael McDonald revealed as biological father to man, 58

Fox News • 02 oct. 23h00

Michael Goessling, adopted as an infant, learned at age 58 that his biological father is Grammy-winning musician Michael McDonald, prompting a reunion with both parents and renewed public discussion of adoption.

Doobie Brothers' Michael McDonald Reconnects With Adopted Son

Billboard • 02 oct. 22h09

The Doobie Brothers singer Michael McDonald contacted his biological son, Michael Goessling, who was adopted as an infant, after a letter from his parents led to a phone conversation a year and a half ago.

Missouri man adopted as baby learns biological father is rock star Michael McDonald

NBC News • 02 oct. 17h59

Michael Goessford, 59, learned that his biological father is Grammy-winning musician Michael McDonald after a DNA match and a recent reunion in St. Louis.

An Adopted Man Discovers His Biological Father Is Michael McDonald

Rolling Stone • 01 oct. 21h43

Michael Goessling, adopted as an infant, learned through DNA testing that his biological father is musician Michael McDonald, and the two have now met and spoken publicly.

St. Louis Man Discovers His Father Is Michael McDonald

Stereogum • 01 oct. 19h52

Michael Goessling, who was adopted as an infant, learned through DNA testing that his biological father is musician Michael McDonald, and the two met for the first time after decades.