Turning to social media for a non-music-related message, Lady A‘s Charles Kelley sat down with his wife Cassie today to share an unfortunate health update with his fans.
Sitting in front of the camera in their Nashville home with his wife of 17 years wrapped around his arm, Kelley announced, “Just wanted to give a quick update on some health issues I’m dealing with.” He continued, noting that he had endured a couple of “random rib fractures,” which led to a few different blood tests.
Per one of the most recent panels, the doctors discovered that Kelley has a rare blood cancer called multiple myeloma. With a positive outlook, he assured, “I’m young, I feel healthy and the treatments, I will say, have just so far even in the past five years that you know even a life expectancy far exceeds what it used to be.”
Kelley also expressed how hopeful he feels and how he has a close friend also going through the same tough situation and offering him support and advice along the way. Kelley continued relating this health development to his outwardly open sobriety journey since June 2022, hoping to extend his vulnerability to his cancer diagnosis: “just getting this stuff off your chest is so freeing and it takes the power away from it a little bit.”
He also noted, much like sobriety, “it’s all about one day at a time.” In the meantime, Kelley is aiming to live life normally as the “Need You Know” band prepares for their upcoming album release and the continuation of touring this year, with their fan-favorite Christmas shows on the way. “The first six months of treatment, I believe is not going to be too super invasive. I can still work. I think physically I will feel like myself; I’ll have tough days, but you know I want to keep working.”
Once more affirming his hopeful outlook, Kelley shared he wants to spend as much time out-and-about doing his normal routine and soaking up time with his family as he continues to tackle this hurdle. He also promised to continue to share as much as he felt appropriate along the way as he continues to receive treatment.
At the end of the video, His wife Cassie also added, “Thankful for you know a great care team and to be in Nashville with some really great doctors,” before kissing each other, with Charles ensuring, “We got this.” Fellow artists and industry friends rallied with support in the comment section, including Martina McBride, ERNEST, Kameron Marlowe, Karen Fairchild, and Jake Owen, who wrote, “praying for all y’all and lifting you up, brother,” along with fellow groupmate Hilary Scott writing, “The strongest duo right there! Love y’all so much! You’ve got this.”
Prayers to Charles and the Kelley family as they navigate this tough time.