Donnie also performed with Lynyrd Skynyrd on the Hank Williams, Jr. edition of CMT Giants. According to a posting in March 2013 on the .38 Special website, “Donnie Van Zant has not been able to join the band’s performances for the past 6 months. In accordance with doctor’s strict orders and due to health issues related to inner-ear nerve damage; he will also not be able to join .38 Special onstage in the foreseeable future. Donnie will continue to write and record with the band.” It was announced later in 2013, however, that Donnie Van Zant had officially left .38 Special and was retiring. Van Zant is an avid fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars; he recorded a video, along with remaining members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, that is played at every Jaguars home game on the Everbank Field video board.
