Key Highlights
- Michael Goessling discovered through DNA testing that five-time Grammy Award-winning musician Michael McDonald is his biological father.
- Goessling was adopted as an infant after McDonald and Goessling’s birth mother were both 14 years old.
- Father and son reunited in person, while McDonald also learned that he had become a grandfather.
DNA Test Reveals Michael McDonald Is Michael Goessling’s Biological Father
Michael Goessling, now 58, spent most of his life knowing that he had been adopted but remained curious about the identity of his biological parents. He was adopted as an infant by Paul and Kay, whom he credited with giving him a happy and secure upbringing.
“Always knew I was adopted,” Goessling told KMOV St. Louis. He praised his adoptive parents, saying: “I had a wonderful childhood. I could not have handpicked two finer folks to raise me.”
Goessling’s search took an unexpected turn after DNA testing revealed a connection to Michael McDonald, the five-time Grammy Award-winning musician known for his work with the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. A previously unknown half brother had taken a 23andMe DNA test and received a notification identifying Goessling as his half brother in St. Louis.
“Within 36 hours, he got an email notifying him: Michael Goessling, half-brother, St. Louis,” Goessling said. “And that’s how this all began.”
Michael Goessling Reconnects With His Birth Parents
Following the DNA discovery, Goessling connected with his birth mother and met her in person. He later spoke with his biological father by phone and learned that the man worked as a musician and had been touring in St. Louis that summer.
Goessling eventually asked the question that confirmed the identity of his biological father: “And then I finally said, ‘Are you Michael McDonald?’” Goessling said. “And he said, ‘Yeah, I’m afraid so.’”
The shared first name between father and son was a coincidence. Goessling explained that he had not been given a name at birth and that his adoptive mother chose his name: “I was unnamed, so it was my mom, Kay, who named me.”
According to KMOV, McDonald and Goessling’s birth mother were both 14 years old when Goessling was conceived. He was subsequently placed for adoption, while McDonald and Goessling’s mother remained friends over the years.
Michael McDonald Pays Tribute to Goessling’s Adoptive Parents
McDonald has spoken about learning what happened to his son and expressed relief that Goessling had grown up well cared for. He also praised Paul and Kay for the life they provided after adopting Goessling.
“I always carried that guilt with me, but just to know that he was okay and that he had a good life, and a life certainly that I wouldn’t have been able to afford him at that time in my life, was a great reward,” said McDonald.”
McDonald added: “The real rock stars in this story for us are his adoptive parents, who really gave Michael everything a child needs in terms of love and security.”
Father and Son Reunite in Person
After initially speaking by phone, Goessling and McDonald eventually met face to face. Goessling described the emotional reunion, saying: “He just put his arms out, just gave me a big old bear hug and told me he loved me, and I told him the same,”
McDonald also recalled the meeting: “It was a wonderful, wonderful experience to see Michael and get to meet my son after all these years thinking about him.”
The reunion brought another major revelation for McDonald: he learned that he was a grandfather. Goessling’s family includes two children, whom McDonald said he was proud to know.
“Yeah, that’s still sinking in for me. What a gift,” McDonald said. “My daughter-in-law is just the daughter-in-law you’d hope for as a parent. And the kids are two of the greatest kids you’d ever meet. I’m just so proud of them.”
Why This Matters
Michael Goessling’s story illustrates how consumer DNA testing can uncover previously unknown biological relationships decades after an adoption. In this case, a 23andMe test taken by Goessling’s half brother created the connection that led to contact with both Goessling’s birth mother and Michael McDonald.
The discovery also brought together a father and son who had spent 58 years apart and allowed McDonald to meet his grandchildren. At the same time, McDonald’s comments highlight the central role Paul and Kay played as Goessling’s adoptive parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Michael Goessling discover Michael McDonald was his biological father?
A previously unknown half brother received a 23andMe notification identifying Michael Goessling as his half brother. The DNA connection led Goessling to learn that Michael McDonald was his biological father.
Why was Michael Goessling placed for adoption?
KMOV reported that Michael McDonald and Goessling’s birth mother were both 14 years old when Goessling was conceived. He was later placed for adoption and raised by Paul and Kay.
Did Michael Goessling and Michael McDonald meet in person?
Yes. After initially speaking by phone, Goessling and McDonald reunited in person and exchanged a hug and expressions of love.