Brad Arnold, the 3 Doors Down lead singer and founding member, has died. He was 47.
On Saturday, the band announced that Arnold “passed away peacefully” in his sleep that morning, surrounded by his wife Jennifer Sanderford and family, following news of his kidney cancer diagnosis.
“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, at the age of 47,” the band started in a statement on Instagram. “With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.
“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. Brad’s songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band’s breakout hit, ‘Kryptonite,’ which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old. 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,” they wrote. “Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends.”
The band added, “The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
In May 2025, Arnold said he had “no fear” as he revealed his diagnosis with stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma in a video, thanking fans for their support and asking for prayers.
“I’ve got some not-so-good news for you today,” he started in the video. “I’ve been sick a couple weeks ago, and I went to the hospital and got checked out, and had actually got the diagnosis that I had clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and it had metastasized into my lung. And it’s stage 4, and that’s not real good.”
Born Sept. 27, 1978 in Escatawpa, Mississippi, Arnold formed 3 Doors Down in 1996, releasing their breakout hit ‘Kryptonite’ in 2000, becoming the group’s highest-charting song at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Arnold wrote the song at age 15 during high school math class.