Michael McDonald Reunites With Son After DNA Test Discovery

Michael Goessling, a St. Louis man adopted as an infant, has connected with and met his biological father, musician Michael McDonald, after a half-brother identified him through a 23andMe DNA test, according to accounts from the family. The reunion also introduced McDonald to his grandchildren. Goessling has said he always knew he was adopted and had a happy childhood with his adoptive parents. He wondered about his biological family, but said the search began in earnest after a previously unknown half-brother found him in results from a 23andMe test and contacted him. Goessling said he met his biological mother on his 58th birthday. He later spoke by phone with his biological father. During that conversation, Goessling asked what the man did for work. When the man said he was a musician who would be traveling through St. Louis, Goessling asked whether he was Michael McDonald. McDonald confirmed that he was, according to Goessling’s account. The two men later met in person and embraced. Goessling said they told each other they loved one another. McDonald described the meeting as a chance to meet his son after years of wondering how the child’s life had unfolded.