Johnny Van Zant Shares Update On His Daughter, Reveals She Had “A Mass On Her Brain”

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(Right) Kristen Van Zant / Instagram / (Left) Johnny Roy Van Zant / Facebook

Lynyrd Skynyrd Cancels Multiple Shows So Lead Singer Johnny Van Zant Can Be With His Daughter Amid Health Concerns

Johnny Van Zant of the legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd took to social media to share an update on his daughter, who recently had a health scare that resulted in an emergency surgery.

On Tuesday (September 24), Skynyrd announced that they needed to cancel their show in Anchorage, Alaska that night. They cited a “medical emergency” as the reason.

The band explained that the daughter of their lead singer, Johnny Van Zant, needed an “emergency surgery.” Skynyrd asked their fans to please keep Johnny’s daughter in their prayers.

Lynyrd Skynyrd cancels concerts as Johnny Van Zant's daughter deals with an illness
Lynyrd Skynyrd / Facebook

Johnny is a father to four daughters: Lindsay, Kristen, Harmony, and Taylor. Sadly, Lindsay died in January 2018 after fighting a rare form of cancer.

Skynyrd’s statement about their canceled Alaska show did not state which one of Johnny’s daughters recently needed an emergency operation.

Then on Wednesday (September 25), Skynyrd announced the cancellation of four additional shows. They shared that Johnny left their tour to be by his daughter’s side.

Their statement revealed that Johnny’s daughter has “a sudden emergency illness.” They said, “He has left the tour to be with her while they continue testing, diagnosis, and treatment.”

Johnny Van Zant left Skynyrd's tour for the time being to be with his daughter who has an emergency illness
Lynyrd Skynyrd / Facebook

Skynyrd Frontman Shares Video Update On His Daughter’s Condition, Thanks Fans For Prayers

On Thursday (September 26), Johnny, who has served as Skynyrd’s frontman since 1987 (following in the footsteps of his late brother, Ronnie), shared a video on his personal Facebook page to update fans on his daughter’s condition.

The singer revealed that his youngest daughter, Taylor, started experiencing some numbness on her right side. She went into the emergency room, where the medical team ran a scan to uncover what was causing that numbing feeling.

“…and they found a…the only way to say it is a mass on her brain, and some of it was bleeding. That was causing the numbing part,” Johnny explained.

Johnny Van Zant with his daughters
Harmony, Taylor, Johnny, and Kristen Van Zant. Photo Credit: Kristen Van Zant / Instagram

Johnny did have some hopeful news to share. He said doctors believe the mass on Taylor’s brain is not cancerous. While she still has a long road to travel as she seeks more answers, Johnny says she’s in “a lot better position than [she was] in the beginning.”

He thanked his fans for keeping him and Taylor in their prayers and asked them to continue praying. Johnny also made a prayer request for Skynyrd’s bus driver, Brad Gibson, who recently ended up in the ICU after wrecking his scooter while driving to pick up a card for Johnny and his family.

“I’m gonna fight it all the way with Jesus Christ…” Johnny said about the recent trials his loved ones have faced. “…I’m gonna look up myself. Always look up, so you guys do the same.”

Look below to watch Johnny Van Zant’s full video about his daughter Taylor’s health. We’ll be praying for her quick and complete recovery.

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About the Author

Miranda Raye

Hello everyone! My name is Miranda. Iโ€™m originally from Ohio, but currently live in Michigan with my husband, Max, and our Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Clover. My love for country music started from the moment I was born, because my family was a country music family. There are old home videos of me in my baby…

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