Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen’s wife and longtime bandmate, revealed in a new documentary that she has been living with a form of blood cancer known as multiple myeloma since 2018. Scialfa, now 71 years old, shared her diagnosis in “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. She explained in the film that her condition has made touring a challenge for her, as it affects her immune system. Despite this, she occasionally joins the band on stage to sing a few songs and is content with her “new normal.”
Scialfa married Springsteen in 1991, seven years after joining his band during the Born in the U.S.A. Tour. As a vocalist and guitarist in the E Street Band, she has been an integral part of the group’s sound for many years. However, due to her illness, she has had to take a step back from performing in recent years. The five-year survival rate for people with multiple myeloma varies from 40% to 82%, depending on various factors such as age, health, time of diagnosis, and other risk factors.
Bruce Springsteen, who is 74 years old, has also had his own health issues to contend with. About a year ago, the iconic musician postponed shows to undergo treatment for peptic ulcer disease, which had been causing debilitating pain in his diaphragm and prevented him from singing for several months. However, during the documentary’s premiere, Springsteen assured fans that he has no intention of stopping performing until “the wheels come off.” The couple, who have been married for 30 years, have three children together.
The news of Scialfa’s cancer diagnosis and Springsteen’s health struggles have been met with concern from fans and the music community. Both artists have been open and honest about their health challenges, providing updates to their followers and promising to continue sharing their music for as long as they are able. Despite the uncertainties and difficulties that come with facing serious health conditions, Scialfa and Springsteen remain resilient and determined to keep performing and creating music together.
The couple’s relationship and partnership have been a significant part of their careers and personal lives. Their shared experiences, both on stage and off, have strengthened their bond and inspired their music. Scialfa’s illness has brought a new perspective to their collaboration, with both artists navigating the challenges of balancing health concerns with their passion for music. Springsteen’s dedication to his craft and commitment to his fans motivate him to keep performing, even in the face of health issues.
As they continue to navigate the ups and downs of Scialfa’s cancer journey and Springsteen’s health struggles, the couple remains optimistic and grateful. Their resilience and determination to keep creating music and sharing it with the world serve as an inspiration to their fans and fellow musicians. With support from each other and their loved ones, Scialfa and Springsteen are united in their commitment to each other and the music that has brought them together for more than three decades.
