Joe Mantegna is no longer hosting the 2025 National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday (May 25).

Two days after the announcement that the Tony-winning actor would be co-hosting with Gary Sinise in Washington D.C. as they’ve done for years, Capital Concerts announced that the 77-year-old Criminal Minds actor would not be hosting this year and that actor Esai Morales would be stepping in instead.

At the time, there was no reasoning given for the replacement, but now we know why.

Keep reading to find out more…

In an Instagram post on Saturday (May 24), Joe explained why he is unable to return to his hosting duties for the first time since 2006 – and it has to do with a health issue.

“Though I’m grounded and can’t fly this weekend due to an ear issue, my heart is very much with my dear friends @esai_morales and @garysiniseofficial as they lead this year’s Memorial Day concert to honor our fallen heroes,” he wrote.

“I’m especially grateful to @esai_morales for stepping in on my behalf to help carry forward this tribute. Your leadership and heart mean so much, not just to me, but to all who understand the true meaning of this day. Wishing you both a powerful, successful event that brings honor to those we remember and comfort to those who carry their legacy. I’ll be cheering you on from afar. See you next year.”

Other celebrity guests this year include Robert Patrick, Blair Underwood, and Gretchen Mol, with musical performances by Mary McCormack, Loren Allred, Scotty Hasting, Yolanda Adams, Angel Blue and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

The 36th annual Memorial Day Concert will air live tonight (Sunday, May 25) from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET on PBS. It also airs the troops around the world on the Armed Forces Network, and it streams for free on YouTube. The concert will also be available via Video on Demand from May 25 to June 8.