Charles Kelley, founding member of the country trio Lady A, has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, the singer announced in a statement posted to social media on Monday.
Kelley, 44, said the diagnosis came after a series of tests and that his medical team has already begun mapping out a treatment plan. He did not specify the exact type of cancer, describing it only as a rare blood cancer.
"I'm going to take some time away to focus on my health and my family," Kelley said in the statement. "I'm surrounded by an incredible team of doctors and the love of my family and bandmates."
The announcement means Lady A will pause its touring schedule while Kelley undergoes treatment. The group, which also includes Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood, has not said when it plans to return to the road.
Kelley co-founded the band in 2006 in Nashville. Originally called Lady Antebellum, the trio won multiple Grammy Awards and scored hits including "Need You Now," "Just a Kiss" and "Bartender." The group changed its name to Lady A in 2020.
Blood cancers are cancers that begin in the bone marrow or blood cells, according to the American Cancer Society. Some types are aggressive and require immediate treatment, while others can be managed for years with therapy. Outcomes vary widely depending on the specific diagnosis and how early it is caught.
Kelley has been open about his health before. In 2021, he took a break from the band to address alcohol use, saying at the time that he wanted to be "the best version of myself." He returned to performing the following year.
Fellow artists and fans flooded the comment section of his post with support within hours of the announcement. Country singer Carly Pearce wrote that she was "sending so much love" to Kelley and his family.
Kelley is married to Cassie McConnell Kelley, and the couple have a son, Ward. He did not give a timeline for his treatment or say whether surgery is planned.
Lady A was scheduled to appear at several festivals this fall. Promoters for those events did not immediately say whether the shows would be canceled or postponed.
Kelley asked fans for privacy in the coming weeks and said he plans to share updates when he has them. "I'll be back," he wrote. "This is just a detour."
