Lady A Singer Charles Kelley Diagnosed with Rare Blood Cancer

Charles Kelley, a co-lead vocalist and founding member of the country music trio Lady A, has revealed his diagnosis with a rare form of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma.

Kelley shared the news in an Instagram video posted Tuesday, explaining that the diagnosis stemmed from several unexpected rib fractures that prompted his doctor to order a series of blood tests. "One of the blood tests we did, they found a blood cancer in there called multiple myeloma and it's rare," he stated in the video.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, which are a type of white blood cell. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these cells are found in bone marrow and can crowd out healthy cells responsible for producing red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells. The CDC notes that it is the most common type of plasma cell tumor, typically developing in the bone marrow and potentially spreading throughout the body. While the exact causes remain unclear, advanced age is identified as the most significant risk factor, and men are also more likely to develop the condition than women.

Despite the diagnosis, Kelley expressed a hopeful outlook, emphasizing that he is young and feels healthy. He acknowledged that treatments for the disease have advanced significantly in recent years, leading to improved life expectancies. Kelley mentioned he has been drawing support from a friend who is also living with multiple myeloma.

Kelley indicated that he has the first six months of treatment planned, though he did not specify a start date. He anticipates that the treatment will not be excessively invasive and that he will be able to continue his work. "I can still work," he said. "I think physically I will feel like myself. I'll have tough days, but you know, I wanna keep working."

He also addressed upcoming performances with Lady A, including scheduled Christmas shows, and expressed a desire to continue making music and spending time with his family. "I need to be happy and doing what I love to do and spending and soaking up as much time with my family as I can as well. But I'm hopeful, I really am," he added.

Kelley drew a parallel between sharing his cancer diagnosis and his previous openness about his sobriety journey, which began in August 2022. He stated that speaking about his health issues is freeing and helps diminish their power. "We're going to get through it. I think in sobriety, it's all about one day at a time and that we're not in control and so that's the way we're looking at it," he said.

Fellow Lady A members Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood offered their support in the comments of Kelley's post. Scott wrote, "The strongest duo right here! Love y’all so much! You've got this! ❤️," while Haywood added, "Covering you in prayer brother. Love y’all. We’re all here for you!"