Music legend Bruce Springsteen recently gave an update on his wife and bandmate, Patti Scialfa, following her revelation about being diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer. Scialfa shared her diagnosis last month during the premiere of Springsteen’s new Road Diary documentary at the Toronto Film Festival. The illness has impacted her ability to perform, prompting her to take a step back from touring.
In the documentary, Scialfa opened up about the challenges she faces due to her condition, stating, “This affects my immune system, so I have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go.” She mentioned that she occasionally joins a show or two to sing a few songs on stage, highlighting that it has become her new normal for the time being.
Springsteen reassured fans about Scialfa’s well-being in a trailer for the upcoming ABC News special, “Bruce Springsteen: Backstage and Backstreets.” He shared, “She’s doing good… We caught it early, which was important. It’s a tough disease. It’s very fatiguing.” Springsteen also disclosed that Scialfa’s decision to go public with her illness was to address the curiosity surrounding her absence from the band.
Multiple myeloma, also referred to as myeloma, is a type of bone marrow cancer that can affect various parts of the body, leading to symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Scialfa has been a member of the E Street Band since 1984 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the band in 2014.
Married to Springsteen since 1991, Scialfa and Springsteen share three children: sons Evan and Samuel, and daughter Jessica. Springsteen has previously described Scialfa as his “secret weapon” and fondly referred to her as his “baby” during a surprise appearance at the New Jersey Hall of Fame ceremony.
The couple has been preparing for their upcoming tour, the first since 2017, with Scialfa rejoining the band for select performances. Scialfa expressed her joy at returning to the stage, stating, “Being back onstage with Bruce is a blast… Every night at this tour gives the band a chance to celebrate.” The documentary, “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” is set to stream on Hulu and Disney+ starting from 25 October.
Bruce Springsteen’s update on Patti Scialfa’s health has garnered support and well-wishes from fans and the music community, showcasing the strength and resilience of the iconic pair in the face of adversity.