Lady A’s Charles Kelley has revealed that he has been diagnosed with a “rare” blood cancer.
The 45-year-old shared the health news in a video posted on his Instagram Sept. 29. As he spoke, his wife, Cassie Kelley, sat by his side and linked arms with him.
“Hey, everybody! Just wanted to give a quick update on some health issues I’m dealing with, I had this couple random rib fractures that happened, which sparked you know my doctor into having me do several different blood tests,” he explained.
Kelley continued: “And one of the last blood tests we did, they found a blood cancer in there called multiple myeloma, and it’s rare.”
He said he is maintaining a hopeful outlook following the diagnosis. He noted that he is healthy, young and that there have been advancements in cancer treatments. The musician also shared that he has a friend who is going through the same health journey.
“I think in the same spirit of the way we’ve kind of shared a lot of my sobriety journey, just getting this stuff off your chest is so freeing, and it takes the power away from it a little bit. That we wanted to let y’all know what was going on, but we’re going to get through it,” he added.
He shared that through his sobriety he has learned he has to take life one day at a time and let go of control. So, he is focusing on feeling great and on the upcoming release of Lady A’s next album. The band has a group of shows scheduled around the holidays, as well.
“You know, this 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,” he said.
Kelley told his fans he will keep them updated about his health journey.
“It’s just another hurdle, and you know, I feel confident that we’re going to get through it,” he said before the video message ended.
Fans filled the comments with stories about their similar health struggles. Kelley also received support from celebrity friends.
Martina McBride said, “Love you! Here for whatever you need. You got this!”
Brittney Spencer commented, “Sending so much love as yall journey through this.”
Jake Owen wrote, “Love you guys .. praying for all yall and lifting you up brother.”
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the blood that starts in the plasma cells and builds up in the bone marrow, according to the Mayo Clinic. The condition can increase the risk of fractures, as Kelley experienced, because it causes the bones to become weaker, according to the International Myeloma Foundation.
Cassie Kelley re-shared her husband’s message on her Instagram story and uploaded two more videos.
She said she was on her way to an event to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and “honestly nothing feels more appropriate than that today.” She became emotional as expressed her gratitude for all the kind messages the couple has received during a “really hard season.”
As she wiped away tears, she added that her husband’s sobriety taught her “stuff really heals in community. So that’s why we wanted to share this news.”
“This is just a season for us,” she concluded.
As both Kelley and his wife mentioned, he has spoken candidly over the years about becoming sober.
When he appeared on TODAY in 2023 with Lady A, he opened up about having to postpone one of the band’s tours so he could prioritize his health.
“I lived one way for so long and now I’m finding so much more purpose. I’m connecting to my spirituality like I never have before,” he told Hoda Kotb. “It just got really old and exhausting the last few years. It wasn’t fun anymore, really. I’m just loving this kind of new lease on life.”