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| Brad Arnold |
Brad Arnold, the lead singer, founding member, and primary songwriter of the rock band 3 Doors Down, has died at age 47 after a courageous battle with stage 4 kidney cancer.
The Mississippi-based band announced the news on social media on Saturday. Arnold passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his wife Jennifer and loved ones.
Arnold revealed his diagnosis of clear cell renal carcinoma (a form of kidney cancer) that had metastasized to his lung in May 2025. He shared the news openly in a video to fans, expressing faith and no fear, though the band canceled their summer tour that year to focus on his health.
Known for his powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics, Arnold co-founded 3 Doors Down in 1996 in Escatawpa, Mississippi. He originally started as the drummer before shifting to lead vocals. The band skyrocketed to fame in the early 2000s with multi-platinum hits like "Kryptonite," "Here Without You," "When I'm Gone," and "Be Like That," defining post-grunge and alternative rock radio for a generation.
Their self-titled debut album in 2000 and follow-ups earned Grammy nominations and sold millions worldwide, with Arnold's songwriting often drawing from personal themes of resilience, loss, and hope.
Bandmates and tributes described him as a devoted husband, kind, humorous, and generous—someone whose music created lasting connections and moments of joy. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by fans and the music community.