Brad Arnold, the lead singer and founding member of the popular rock band 3 Doors Down, has passed away after a battle with kidney cancer. He was 47-years-old.
In a statement released to social media, the band confirmed that he “passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer,” on Saturday, February 7.
“As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners,” the statement read.
Arnold penned the band’s breakout single, “Kryponite,” which has more than one-billion streams on Spotify, “in his math class when he was just 15 years old,” the statement continued. “His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on.”
“Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends.”
— 3 Doors Down (@3doorsdown) February 7, 2026
Arnold first announced that he had been diagnosed with kidney cancer in May of last year. The Mississippi native explained that he was hospitalized after feeling sick a couple of weeks prior, which was when doctors diagnosed him with clear cell renal cell carcinoma “that had metastasized into my lung.”
In a video statement, he went on to say that he was not afraid of the diagnosis, but stated that the band would have to cancel upcoming performances. “Thank you for all the memories so far. Now, I believe ‘ITS NOT MY TIME’ is really my song,” he wrote in the caption of the video. “This’ll be a battle so we need our prayers warriors! Thank y’all for being the best fans in the world. We love y’all!”
Arnold co-founded 3 Doors Down in 1996, while he was still in high school, alongside bassist Todd Harrell and guitarist Matt Roberts, who passed away in 2016 from a prescription drug overdose.
The band’s breakthrough came with their 2000 debut album The Better Life, which went 6x platinum and featured hits like “Kryptonite” “Loser,” “Duck and Run,” and “Be Like That.”
Success continued with 2002’s Away From The Scene, which featured chart-toppers like “When I’m Gone” and “Here Without You.” The band released four additional albums, with 2016’s Us And The Night becoming their final release.
3 Doors Down also performed at multiple presidential inaugurations, including President Donald Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.
A devout Christian, Arnold frequently shared his faith onstage and in interviews, emphasizing themes of redemption and humility. He also spoke candidly about struggles with alcoholism and had celebrated 10 years of sobriety at the time of his passing, calling the time period his “best years.”
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, whom he married in 2009.
