Diagnosis and initial symptoms
Charles Kelley, a founder of the Grammy-winning country trio Lady A, has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that affects the bones and other parts of the body. The 45-year-old shared the news in an Instagram video alongside his wife, Cassie. He explained that the discovery came after he suffered a few random rib fractures, which prompted his doctor to order several blood tests. One of the final tests revealed the presence of the rare blood cancer.[S1]
Outlook and treatment plans
Kelley struck an optimistic tone, noting that he is young and feels healthy, and that treatments for multiple myeloma have advanced considerably, even in the last five years. He said life expectancy now far exceeds what it once was, and he feels genuinely hopeful. He described the experience of sharing his diagnosis as freeing, and compared his approach of taking things one day at a time to the mindset that helped him on his journey to sobriety. He also said he intends to keep working, pointing to an upcoming Lady A record and Christmas shows, and expects the first six months of treatment not to be too invasive.[S1]
Bandmates and career background
Fellow Lady A members Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood voiced their backing through comments on the post. Scott described Kelley and his wife as an exceptionally strong pair, sending her love and belief in them. Haywood wrote that he was praying for the family and that the group remains beside them. Formed in Nashville in 2006 under the earlier name Lady Antebellum, the trio has collected six Grammy Awards and three chart-topping US albums; their song Need You Now peaked at number two and earned record and song of the year honors at the 2011 Grammys.[S1]
