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Brad Arnold, the co-founder and unmistakable voice of American rock band 3 Doors Down, has passed away at the age of 47 after a determined fight with cancer, the band confirmed in a statement shared on social media on Saturday.
According to the statement, Arnold died peacefully with his wife Jennifer and close family members at his side. The band paid tribute to his lasting impact, noting that his music went far beyond live performances, bringing people together through shared emotions, faith, and meaningful moments that will endure for years to come.
In May 2025, Arnold revealed in a heartfelt video message that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer. The diagnosis led the band to call off its planned summer tour. Even while facing the seriousness of the illness, Arnold spoke openly about his strength and said he approached the situation without fear.
Born in Escatawpa, Mississippi, Arnold formed 3 Doors Down in 1996 alongside guitarist Matt Roberts and bassist Todd Harrell. The band would go on to become one of the most successful rock acts of the early 2000s. Roberts died in 2016 following a suspected drug overdose, while Harrell later left the band after a series of legal issues, including DUI cases and a vehicular homicide charge.
Arnold also spoke candidly about his own past struggles with alcohol addiction, sharing that he had been sober for ten years. In an interview earlier this year, he described sobriety as the most fulfilling period of his life.
3 Doors Down rose to global fame with their breakthrough hit “Kryptonite” in 2000, a song Arnold wrote at just 15 years old during a math class. The track earned a Grammy nomination and helped propel the band’s debut album, The Better Life, which achieved six-times platinum status.
Remembering him, the band described Arnold as a devoted husband and a person whose warmth, humor, generosity, and faith left a deep impression on everyone he met. While his musical legacy continues to resonate with fans worldwide, those closest to him will remember him most for his humility, compassion, and unwavering love for his family and friends.
