Bruce Springsteen’s Wife, Patti Scialfa, Opens Up About Her Years-Long Battle with Cancer

Patti Scialfa, renowned musician and longtime member of the E Street Band, recently revealed that she has been battling cancer for several years. Scialfa, who is also the wife of legendary rock star Bruce Springsteen, disclosed her diagnosis during the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, where she attended the premiere of Springsteen’s new documentary, Rock Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

During the event, Scialfa shared that she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma back in 2018, a revelation that took many fans by surprise. The disease, which affects plasma cells in the bone marrow, can significantly weaken the immune system, making it difficult for her to maintain an active touring schedule alongside Springsteen and the E Street Band.

A Tough Decision to Step Back from Touring

Given the nature of her condition, Scialfa had to make the difficult choice to step back from touring with her husband. She acknowledged that while she still loves performing, she has had to be selective about the events she participates in.

“I have to be careful about what I choose to do and where I go because this affects my immune system,” she explained. “I occasionally attend an event or two where I get to sing a few songs on stage, and that has been a pleasure. Right now, it’s my new normal, and I’m good with that.”

Despite her health challenges, Scialfa has found joy and fulfillment in other areas of her life, including working on her own music and spending time with family.

A Focus on Family and Personal Projects

In a previous interview with Asbury Park Press, Scialfa revealed that she made a conscious decision to limit her participation in Springsteen’s current tour, which began in February 2023. Instead, she chose to focus on her solo record and devote more time to her granddaughter, Lily Springsteen, who was born in July 2022.

Speaking about her decision, Scialfa admitted that she felt her presence was less essential on stage due to the sheer number of musicians in the current touring lineup.

“I felt less needed in a way because there were so many musicians on stage,” she said. “After doing the first few gigs, I realized this was going well when I observed how everything was going. This is in perfect condition. There isn’t much space for me to include anything unique.”

Despite stepping away from touring, Scialfa has remained committed to her music. She acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges in finishing her solo record was the fact that Bruce Springsteen is constantly in the studio.

“The primary issue was that Bruce is constantly in the studio, so I couldn’t finish the record when he was at home. I so used that chance to complete my record,” she shared.

Bruce Springsteen’s Own Health Struggles

Scialfa is not the only one in the family facing health challenges. Bruce Springsteen himself has been dealing with health issues in recent years.

In September 2023, Springsteen was forced to postpone the remainder of his tour dates due to his ongoing treatment for peptic ulcer disease. This news came as a disappointment to fans worldwide, but his health was his top priority.

Unfortunately, health concerns struck again in early summer 2024, when Springsteen had to cancel three more tour dates due to vocal issues. While the cancellations were fewer this time, they still signaled the toll that years of performing have taken on the rock icon.

An Outpouring of Support from Fans

News of Scialfa’s cancer diagnosis and Springsteen’s health battles has led to an overwhelming outpouring of support from fans around the world. Many have taken to social media to express their love, prayers, and encouragement for the couple during these challenging times.

Multiple myeloma is a serious and incurable disease, but with advancements in treatment, many patients, including Scialfa, are able to manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. Her strength and resilience in the face of this diagnosis serve as an inspiration to many, particularly to those who are also battling chronic illnesses.

Looking Ahead with Strength and Determination

Despite the challenges, both Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen continue to embody the spirit of resilience and perseverance that has defined their decades-long careers. While Scialfa’s battle with multiple myeloma has required her to take a step back from the stage, she remains deeply passionate about music and committed to her family.

As for Springsteen, fans remain hopeful that he will recover fully from his health setbacks and return to the stage stronger than ever. In the meantime, both he and Scialfa are prioritizing their well-being, proving that even rock legends must sometimes pause to take care of themselves.

My thoughts and prayers are with Patti Scialfa as she continues her fight against multiple myeloma. Fans around the world are rooting for her strength, health, and happiness in the years to come.