Country Singer James Otto Hospitalized in Nashville

In this Nov. 10, 2009 file photo, recording artist James Otto and his wife Amy attend the 57th Annual BMI Country Awards in Nashville, Tenn. (AP)

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Country singer James Otto is hospitalized in Nashville.

He was admitted to an area hospital Tuesday for an abdominal illness and is canceling his weekend shows.

Otto says in a statement that he has "been feeling badly on and off for a while now but didn't think it was serious."

He adds that he "may have been a bit distracted by all the excitement of baby Ava's arrival." His wife, Amy, gave birth to a healthy baby girl on Aug. 24.

Otto says he will be down for a few days but hopes to be back in action soon.

Otto scored his first No. 1 hit in 2008 with "Just Got Started Loving You." He is releasing a new album Sept. 14.