Charles Kelley said a couple random rib fractures led doctors to blood tests that found multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer, and he shared the diagnosis on Tuesday. The Lady A co-lead vocalist said he feels healthy and expects to keep working while treatment begins.
Charles Kelley on Tuesday
“Hey everybody, just wanted to give a quick update on some health issues I'm dealing with,” he said in the Instagram video. Kelley said the fractures “sparked my doctor into having me do several different blood tests,” and one of them found “a blood cancer in there called multiple myeloma and it's rare.”
He also said the diagnosis did not change how he sees his work. “I can still work,” Kelley said, adding, “I think physically I will feel like myself. I'll have tough days, but you know, I wanna keep working.”
Lady A and the first six months
Kelley said treatment options have improved “even in the past five years,” and that he expects the first six months of treatment, though he did not say when that will begin. He added that he has leaned on a friend who also has multiple myeloma, which gives him a practical reference point as he prepares for care.
He also framed the news through the same approach he has used since starting recovery in August 2022. “We're going to get through it. I think in sobriety, it's all about one day at a time and that we're not in control and so that's the way we're looking at it,” he said. That is the right lens here: a public diagnosis, an early treatment window, and a performer who says he plans to stay active through both.
Scott and Haywood respond
Hillary Scott commented, “The strongest duo right here! Love y'all so much! You've got this! ❤️” Dave Haywood wrote, “Covering you in prayer brother. Love y’all. We’re all here for you!” Their messages turned Kelley's post into a band-wide public show of support, but the more immediate question is operational: how the first months of treatment will fit around his upcoming Lady A shows, including several Christmas shows.
