ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.—Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen’s wife and E Street bandmate, revealed that she has been battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.
During a documentary about the band that premiered on Sunday, the 71-year-old Scialfa shared that she was diagnosed with the disease in 2018.
The guitarist explained that her condition has limited her ability to tour with the band.
“This affects my immune system, so I must be cautious about my activities and where I choose to go,” she said in the film titled “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.”
“Every now and then, I can make it to a show or two and perform a few songs on stage, which has been a special experience for me,” she added. “That’s my new normal for now, and I’m okay with that.”
A spokesperson for Scialfa mentioned that no further details about her condition, including ongoing treatment, would be disclosed.
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She was unable to attend the film’s premiere in Toronto.
Scialfa has been a part of the E Street Band since 1984 and tied the knot with Springsteen in 1991. She was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 and has also pursued a solo music career.
Springsteen had to reschedule some tour dates in recent years due to peptic ulcer disease and vocal problems. He is set to perform at a music festival in Asbury Park, a town on the Jersey Shore closely linked to his music, on September 15.
By Wayne Parry
