Lady A singer Charles Kelley, 45, announces rare blood cancer diagnosis in emotional video
Charles Kelley, the 45-year-old co-lead vocalist of country trio Lady A, has revealed that he is battling multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer affecting plasma cells in the bone marrow.
The singer announced the sad news on Tuesday in an Instagram video filmed alongside his wife Cassie, explaining that unexplained rib fractures had prompted his medical team to carry out extensive blood work.
“One of the last blood tests we did, they found a blood cancer in there called multiple myeloma, and it’s rare,” Mr Kelley told fans.
Despite the gravity of his diagnosis, the Nashville-based musician remained optimistic, saying that treatment options have advanced significantly in recent years.
Lady A will continue to perform
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“I’m young, and I feel healthy, and the treatments, I will say, have just come so far even in the past five years, that life expectancy just far exceeds what it used to be. I feel really hopeful, I really do,” he said.
Mr Kelley made clear that he has no intention of stepping back from his career, revealing that Lady A has a new album on the horizon and is preparing for its This Winter’s Night Tour launching in December.
He expressed confidence that the initial phase of his treatment would allow him to remain active. “This first six months of treatment, I believe, is not going to be too super invasive, that I can still work. I think physically, I will feel like myself. I’ll have tough days, but I wanna keep working,” he said.
The singer added that performing at recent gigs in Kansas and Oklahoma after already learning of his diagnosis had contributed to his positive outlook.
Charles Kelley has been inundated with well-wishes
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“Even going out last weekend after even knowing the news, was like, ‘This is where I belong.’ I need to be happy and doing what I love to do,” he added.
Mr Kelley compared his current situation to the decision to speak publicly about his struggle with alcohol, having entered a treatment facility in 2022 and celebrated four years of sobriety this past July.
“In the spirit of the same way we’ve shared my sobriety journey, just getting this stuff off your chest is so freeing and it takes the power away from it a little bit,” he explained.
The singer said he is approaching his cancer battle with the same philosophy that has guided his recovery from addiction. “In sobriety, it’s all about one day at a time, and that we’re not in control, so that’s the way we’re looking at it. Right now, I feel great,” he said.
Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley make up Lady A
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He also revealed that a friend diagnosed with the same cancer roughly two months earlier has been a source of strength and perspective.
The country music community swiftly rallied around Mr Kelley following his announcement.
“The strongest duo right there! Love y’all so much! You got this!” bandmate Hillary Scott responded, whilst fellow Lady A member Dave Haywood wrote: “Covering you in prayer brother. Love y’all. We’re all here for you!”
Messages of encouragement also poured in from Martina McBride, Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney, Brittney Spencer and Jake Owen, among others.
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