Lady A frontman Charles Kelley reveals rare blood cancer diagnosis after random rib fractures
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Charles Kelley, lead singer of the country music trio Lady A, revealed on Tuesday, September 29, that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare type of blood cancer.
Kelley announced the diagnosis in an Instagram video filmed alongside his wife, Cassie. He said that several random rib fractures prompted his doctor to order different blood tests, which ultimately led to the diagnosis.
Charles Kelley opens up about cancer diagnosis and treatment
Kelley explained that one of his final blood tests showed he had multiple myeloma. “It’s rare. But I’m young, I feel healthy, and the treatments, I will say, have just come so far even in the past five years, that even the life expectancy far exceeds what it used to be,” he said.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the US was 64% from 2016 to 2022. The death rate also fell about 3% each year from 2015 to 2024.
Kelley, who shares sons Ward and Archer, who turned one on September 16, with Cassie, said a friend was diagnosed with cancer about two months before him. Watching her experience has “really helped” him as he begins his own journey.
“I feel really hopeful,” Kelley said. He explained that, much like the way he has shared his sobriety journey, talking openly about his diagnosis has helped him feel more free and taken “the power away from it a little bit.”
The Lady A frontman added that he and Cassie wanted fans to know what was happening and said, “We’re gonna get through it.”
Kelley celebrated four years of sobriety in July after previously seeking treatment for substance abuse in 2022. He has remained open with fans about his sobriety experience on social media.
Charles Kelley plans to keep working with Lady A
Kelley said his approach to his cancer treatment is similar to how he has viewed sobriety, explaining, “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.”
The musician said he currently feels great and expects the first six months of treatment to be “not too super invasive.” Kelley also said he believes he can continue working, including with Lady A, who are preparing to release a new record.
The group also has Christmas shows planned. Lady A, comprising Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood, is scheduled to perform eight shows in December during their ‘This Winter’s Night’ tour. The band is also set to perform on the Boots on the Water cruise in February.
Kelley said staying busy and doing what he loves is important to him, while also spending as much time as possible with his family. “I’ll have tough days, but I want to keep working,” he said.
The singer added that he remains hopeful and described the diagnosis as “just another hurdle,” saying he feels confident that they will get through it.
Cassie said she was “thankful for a great care team” and “really great doctors” in Nashville.
