Brad Arnold, the lead singer of rock band 3 Doors Down, has shared heartbreaking news with fans: he’s been diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer that has spread to his lungs. He made the announcement in a video posted to Instagram on May 7, where he kept his message honest, faithful, and hopeful.
“I’ve got some not-so-good news for you today,” said Arnold, 46, in the video. “I got sick a couple of weeks ago, went to the hospital, and got checked out. That’s when I got the diagnosis that I had clear cell renal carcinoma that had metastasized into my lung. That’s stage 4, and that’s not real good.”
Clear cell renal carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer in adults. When it’s caught early, it can sometimes be treated successfully — but when it spreads to other parts of the body, like in Arnold’s case, treatment becomes much harder. According to experts, only about 10% of people with this stage of the disease survive five years or more.
Still, Arnold remains strong in his faith and says he’s not afraid.
“We serve a mighty God, and He can overcome anything,” he said. “So I have no fear. I really, sincerely am not scared of it at all.”
Because of his diagnosis, 3 Doors Down will be canceling their summer tour.
“We’re sorry for that,” Arnold said. “But I hope you’ll lift me up in prayer every chance you get. And, like, it’s time for me to go listen to ‘Not My Time’ a little bit, right?” he added, referencing the band’s 2008 hit with lyrics like “It’s not my time, I’m not going.”
The video ended on a positive note. “Thank you guys so much. God loves you. We love you,” Arnold said.
Fans and fellow musicians quickly filled the comments with love and support. Creed frontman Scott Stapp wrote, “If anyone has the FAITH and STRENGTH to face this fight, it’s YOU, brother.” Singer Chris Daughtry added, “Sending you love my brother 🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜.” And country star Jason Aldean wrote, “Man, I hate to hear that Brad. Praying for ya brother. 🙏🏼”
Arnold has been performing with 3 Doors Down since the band formed in the late ’90s, with hits like “Kryptonite,” “Here Without You,” and “When I’m Gone.” He’s long been known not just for his powerful voice, but for his uplifting messages.
Now, as he faces the biggest challenge of his life, fans are standing with him — sending prayers, strength, and the hope that this truly is “not his time.”
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