Lady A Singer Charles Kelley Reveals Blood Cancer Diagnosis
The Grammy-winning artist announced his diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, sharing his hopeful outlook and intention to continue working.
Lady A singer Charles Kelley has revealed he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects the bones and other parts of the body. The 45-year-old US musician, co-founder of the Grammy-winning country music trio formerly known as Lady Antebellum, shared the news in a video posted on Instagram alongside his wife, Cassie.
Kelley explained that the diagnosis followed a couple of random rib fractures that prompted further medical investigation, including several blood tests. "And one of the last blood tests we did, they found a blood cancer in there called multiple myeloma, and it's rare," he stated.
Despite the diagnosis, Kelley expressed a positive outlook, emphasizing his youth and current good health. "But I'm young, I feel healthy, and the treatments I will say have just come so far, even in the past five years," he said. "Even life expectancy just far exceeds what it used to be and, I don't know, I feel really hopeful. I really do."
He described the experience of sharing the news as "freeing" and adopted a "one day at a time" approach to managing his health, drawing a parallel to his journey to sobriety. "But we're going to get through it," he added.
Kelley, who has two young sons with his wife, indicated his intention to continue working, noting that he feels "great" and has a new Lady A record and Christmas shows approaching. "This first six months of treatment I believe is not going to be too invasive. I can still work. I think physically I will feel like myself. I will have tough days, but I want to keep working... 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... It's just another hurdle and, you know, I feel confident that we're going to get through it."
His bandmates Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood offered messages of support in the comments section of his post. Scott wrote, "The strongest duo right there! 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!"
Lady A, formed in Nashville in 2006, is known for hits such as "Need You Now," "American Honey," and "Just a Kiss." The trio has won six Grammy Awards. Their 2010 single "Need You Now" won record of the year and song of the year at the 2011 Grammy Awards, and the group has achieved three number-one albums in the US.