Lady A’s Charles Kelley has revealed he was diagnosed with a “rare” blood cancer.
The 45-year-old shared his health update in a video posted to his Instagram on September 29. As he spoke, his wife, Cassie Kelley, sat beside him and held his arms.
“Hey everyone! I just wanted to give an update on some health issues I’m dealing with. I had a few random rib fractures, which prompted my doctor to run several different blood tests on me,” he explained.
Kelley continued, “And one of the last blood tests we did, they found a blood cancer called multiple myeloma, and it’s rare.”
He said he remained hopeful after the diagnosis. He stressed that he is healthy, young and that progress has been made in cancer treatments. The musician also shared that he has a friend who is going through the same health journey.
“I think in the same vein as how we kind of shared a lot of my sobriety journey, just getting this stuff off your chest is so liberating, and it takes the power away a little bit. We wanted to let you all know what was going on, but we’re going to get through this,” he added.
He shared that through his sobriety, he learned that he needed to take life one day at a time and let go of control. So he’s focusing on his well-being and the upcoming release of Lady A’s next album. The band also has a bunch of shows scheduled over the holidays.
“You know, I think these first six months of treatment won’t be too invasive. I can still work. I think physically I’ll feel like myself. I’ll have some rough days, but, you know, I want to keep working,” he said.
Kelley told his fans that he would keep them updated on his health journey.
“It’s just another obstacle, and you know, I’m confident we’re going to overcome it,” he said before the video message ended.
Fans filled the comments with stories about their similar health struggles. Kelley also received support from famous friends.
Martina McBride said: “I love you! Here for whatever you need. You got this!”
Brittney Spencer commented: “Sending you so much love as you go through this. »
Jake Owen wrote: “I love you guys…praying for and lifting you up bro. »
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that begins in plasma cells and accumulates in the bone marrow, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to the International Myeloma Foundation, the disease can increase the risk of fractures, as Kelley experienced, because it weakens bones.
Cassie Kelley reshared her husband’s post on her Instagram Story and uploaded two more videos.
She said she was going to an event to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and “honestly, nothing seems more appropriate than this today.” She became emotional as she expressed gratitude for all the kind messages the couple received during a “really difficult season.”
While wiping away tears, she added that her husband’s sobriety had taught him “the things that truly heal in community. That’s why we wanted to share this news.”
“It’s just a season for us,” she concluded.
As Kelley and his wife mentioned, he spoke candidly over the years about the need to get sober.
When he appeared on TODAY in 2023 with Lady A, he explained that he had to postpone one of the group’s tours so he could prioritize his health.
“I’ve lived in one direction for so long and now I’m finding so much more purpose. I’m connecting to my spirituality like I never have before,” he told Hoda Kotb. “It’s gotten really old and exhausting in the last few years. It wasn’t fun anymore, really. I love this kind of new life.”
Gn entert
