Lady A Singer Charles Kelley Reveals Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis After Rib Fractures

Lady A co-lead vocalist Charles Kelley announced his diagnosis with multiple myeloma, a rare form of blood cancer, in an Instagram video he shared on Tuesday with his wife, Cassie McConnell Kelley. Kelley discovered the cancer after random rib fractures prompted blood tests.

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer where too many plasma cells crowd out normal cells in the bone marrow that make red blood cells, platelets, and other white blood cells, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC states it is the most common type of plasma cell tumor, developing in bone marrow and potentially spreading throughout the body.

Age is the most significant risk factor for multiple myeloma, and men are more likely to develop it than women, the CDC reports. Scientists are still unclear about why some people get myeloma and others do not. Kelley, a founding member of the country music trio Lady A, expressed optimism about his prognosis due to his overall health, advancements in treatment, and support from a friend with the same diagnosis.

Kelley plans to continue working, including Lady A's upcoming Christmas shows. He anticipates a six-month treatment period he does not expect to be "too super invasive." He mentioned that he has the first six months of treatment planned.