Charles Kelley announced he has multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, after doctors investigated unexplained rib fractures. The singer said he plans to continue performing while undergoing treatment.
Lady A singer Charles Kelley announced he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer that affects the bones and different parts of the body. Kelley, 45, revealed the diagnosis in a video shared on Instagram alongside his wife, Cassie.
The diagnosis came after he suffered unexpected injuries. “I had a couple of random rib fractures that happened, which sparked my doctor into having me do several different blood tests,” Kelley said. “And one of the last blood tests we did, they found a blood cancer in there called multiple myeloma, and it’s rare.”
Kelley said he remains optimistic about his care and prognosis. “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 noted how “freeing” it felt “getting this stuff off your chest,” comparing his “one day at a time” mindset to his journey to sobriety.
The musician, who has two young sons with his wife, said he intends to keep working through his upcoming schedule. “Right now I feel great and we’ve got a new record coming out soon with Lady A and then we’ve got Christmas shows,” he said. He added, “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…”
Kelley co-founded the country trio Lady A, formerly known as Lady Antebellum, in Nashville in 2006. The group has earned six Grammy Awards, released three number one albums in the U.S., and reached number two with the hit single Need You Now, which won record and song of the year at the Grammys in 2011.
His bandmates Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood quickly posted support on the video. Scott wrote, “The strongest duo right there! Love y’all so much! You’ve got this!” Haywood added, “Covering you in prayer brother. Love y’all. We’re all here for you!”
