Lady A’s Charles Kelley Shares Diagnosis With “Rare” Blood Cancer In Emotional Video
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Charles Kelley of Lady A took to social media on Tuesday (September 29) to share an important health update. He has been diagnosed with cancer.
The Grand Ole Opry member shared the news in an emotional video alongside his wife, Cassie. The couple shares two sons, 10-year-old Ward and 1-year-old Archer.
He explained how he had some unexplained rib fractures that prompted his doctor to run a few blood tests.
“One of the last blood tests we did, they found a blood cancer in there called multiple myeloma,” Charles said, before continuing, “and it’s rare.”
As the Mayo Clinic explains, multiple myeloma forms in the body’s plasma cells. When this happens, cancerous cells begin to accumulate in the affected person’s bone marrow. This, in turn, can result in weak or easily broken bones or overall bone pain.
Charles maintained a hopeful demeanor in the video, saying that his younger age (he turned 45 on September 11) is in his favor. He remarked that he feels healthy otherwise. He’s also encouraged by how far treatments for multiple myeloma have come in the past few years.
Charles knows someone who’s going through this same battle, and she’s been sharing some of her experiences with him along the way. He’s found that extremely helpful after receiving his own diagnosis.
Cassie nodded as Charles shared how “freeing” it is to get this news off his chest.
Charles Kelley Expresses A Desire To Keep Singing After Cancer Diagnosis
As for his career plans, Charles fully intends to keep singing with Lady A.
He is looking forward to the release of their next album and their upcoming run of Christmas concerts. The group’s This Winter’s Night tour will kick off on December 10 in Northfield, Ohio.
Charles feels confident in his ability to sing at those shows since the first six months of his cancer treatments won’t be “super invasive.”
“I think physically I will feel like myself…I wanna keep working…this is where I belong…” he said.
He promised to keep his fans updated whenever he feels it’s appropriate. “I feel confident we’re going to get through it,” he said.
Charles Kelley’s Lady A Bandmates Share Support & Well-Wishes
Charles’ post quickly received comments from Dave Haywood and Hilary Scott, his two bandmates in Lady A. They shared their support for him and Cassie.
Dave said, “Covering you in prayer brother. Love y’all. We’re all here for you!“
Hilary wrote, “The strongest duo right there! Love y’all so much! You’ve got this!”
The official Lady A account also commented, “We love you, Charles.”
Watch Charles Kelley’s video about his cancer diagnosis below. We’ll be keeping him and his family in our prayers.
