Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers has reconnected with his biological son, Michael Goessling, nearly six decades after the two were separated through adoption. McDonald and Goessling’s biological mother were both 14 when Goessling was conceived and later placed for adoption.

Goessling, who was raised in St. Louis by his adoptive parents Paul and Kay Goessling, said he always knew he was adopted and had spent years wondering about his biological parents. His search began to produce answers after a half-brother he did not previously know about took a 23andMe DNA test.

The DNA results led Goessling to his biological family. In 2025, an attorney representing his birth mother contacted him, and he later met her in person on his 58th birthday. He subsequently connected with his biological father by phone.

During that first conversation, Goessling asked the man about his life and learned that he was a musician preparing to tour through St. Louis. Goessling eventually asked whether he was Michael McDonald, the singer known for his work with the Doobie Brothers and for songs including “What a Fool Believes” and “I Keep Forgettin’.” McDonald confirmed his identity.

The two later met in person. Goessling recalled that McDonald greeted him with a hug when they finally came face to face. The reunion also introduced McDonald to Goessling’s family and grandchildren.

McDonald said he and Goessling’s biological mother had continued to wonder about their son over the years. He told St. Louis television station KMOV that one of his longstanding concerns had been whether Goessling was okay and how life had treated him.

Goessling said his adoptive parents provided him with a happy childhood and that he could not have chosen better people to raise him. McDonald also credited Paul and Kay Goessling for the life they gave his son, referring to them as the “real rock stars” of the story.

The reunion also revealed that father and son share the first name Michael, although McDonald had no role in choosing his son’s name. Goessling explained that he had been unnamed at birth and that his adoptive mother, Kay, gave him the name Michael.

McDonald, now 74, remains known for his decades-long career with the Doobie Brothers, as well as his solo work and earlier association with Steely Dan. Goessling said he had been a fan of the Doobie Brothers since childhood and had unknowingly attended McDonald’s performances before discovering their biological connection.

The father and son have continued communicating since their reunion, with Goessling saying they now speak regularly. Their connection was first established through DNA testing almost 58 years after Goessling was placed for adoption.