Lady A singer Charles Kelley diagnosed with rare blood cancer

Lady A's Charles Kelley has been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

The country singer and musician, 44, revealed the diagnosis alongside his wife, Cassie Kelley, in an Instagram post shared Tuesday, Sept. 29. Kelley said recent rib fractures led to his doctor doing bloodwork, which revealed a "rare" blood cancer called multiple myeloma.

"I'm young. I feel healthy," Kelley said, noting "the life expectancy far exceeds what it used to be. I feel really hopeful."

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells, or white blood cells that help fight infections by producing antibodies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include fatigue, bone pain, weakness, weight loss, infections and kidney issues.

From 2015 to 2024, the death rate for people diagnosed with multiple myeloma in the U.S. fell about 3% each year, according to the nonprofit.

Kelley, who has been open online since starting his alcohol sobriety journey in 2022, said he wanted to share the diagnosis for similar reasons. "Getting this stuff off your chest is so freeing, and it takes the power away from it a little bit," he added. "I think in sobriety, it's all about one day at a time…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/