American Idol: Kellie Pickler's Grandfather Suffers Heart Attack

Kellie Pickler's Grandfather is recovering at home after a heart attack earlie this week.

Clive Pickler was apparently holidaying in Shallotte on the N.C. coast when he was struck witrh chest pain and shortness of breath and was hospitalized for heart problems.

He had a heart shunt fitted to improve blood flow, following the removal of blockage from an artery, according to his girlfriend, Jean Burris. The operation went well and Pickler was allowed to leave the hospital Sunday, she said. "He's fine," she said, noting that most people who have the procedure done stay in the hospital up to three days or more.

Albemarle electrician Clyde Pickler was instrumental in raising his granddaughter, Kellie, who was one of the top 10 finalists on this season's "American Idol" on Fox. She has been in New England with the "American Idol" concert tour, which launched last week.

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