Motown legend Smokey Robinson, 81, discussed in detail his experience with COVID-19.

The six-time Grammy-nominated crooner revealed that the highly contagious virus almost took him out. The DailyMail reported that Smokey contracted the virus in December last year. He also admitted that he was hospitalized for nearly two weeks. The Motown icon told the publication that he had been out on the road before Christmas. Initially, he tested negative, but he was retested and that COVID test returned a positive result.

Smokey ended up self-quarantining, but within 48 hours developed breathing issues and was rushed to a medical facility.

“Fortunately, I never had to use the ventilator. I never lost my taste or smell, but it wiped me out,” he said. “I lost all my energy and could not walk from the bed to the bathroom without being exhausted. I am a Covid survivor. I was hospitalized for 11 days. Four of five of those, I do not even remember. It was really touch-and-go and a terribly debilitating ailment.”

He continued recounting his bout with the deadly virus, “Even when I got home, I was hoarse; I could not try to sing because I was afraid. It was one of the most frightening fights.” 

The silky-voiced singer said that doctors praised the octogenarian’s healthy, active lifestyle as the reason for successfully battling COVID.

“They told me that it was lucky for me, especially at my age, that I’d taken care of myself, but for the grace of God and that fact, I probably would not be here talking right now,” he explained.

Although the singer is fully vaccinated, Smokey maintains his healthy lifestyle and takes precautions to steer clear of the virus.

The “Being With You” crooner is back to doing what he loves– living and singing. 

He is due to perform in Fresno, California, on October 15.

We’re glad the living legend pulled through.