Dickey Betts is continuing an optimistic road to recovery.

The Allman Brothers Band guitarist, 74, underwent brain surgery on Friday following an accident last week when he slipped and "cracked his head" while playing with the family dog.

Betts' manager, David Spero, posted a note on the musician's website Wednesday from Betts' wife, Donna, that said, "Off the respirator and doing great! Talking, laughing and, of course, complaining! We thank you all for your love and prayers. He still has a ways to go."

The family has been keeping fans apprised of Betts’ status throughout the ordeal, including a Friday update on the website that the surgery to address the bleeding from Betts’ brain was successful.

The Florida-based Betts was recently recovering well from a mild stroke that occurred in August and planning to perform a spate of rescheduled concert dates in November. Those shows have now been canceled.

Follow the AJC Music Scene on Facebook and Twitter.