Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down lead singer, dead at 47

3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold has passed away at the age of 47.

The band’s surviving members announced his death via social media on Saturday. “With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7, at the age of 47,” the statement read.

“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.”

The statement noted that Arnold “helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners” and that his “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.”

It also added that the musician “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.”

Arnold announced he was battling stage 4 kidney cancer in May 2025.

“Hey everybody, it’s Brad from 3 Doors Down,” he said in a social media video at the time. “I hope you’re having a great day today.”

He added that he had some “not so good news for you today.”

“So, I’d been sick a couple of weeks ago and then went to the hospital and got checked out, and actually got the diagnosis that I had a clear cell renal cell carcinoma that had metastasized into my lung. And it’s stage four, and that’s not real good.”

Arnold divulged at the time that he had “no fear” of the condition.

“I really sincerely am not scared of it at all,” he shared. “But it is gonna force us to cancel our tour this summer. And we’re sorry for that. And I’d love for you to lift me up in prayer every chance you get. And Ithink it is time for me to go listen to ‘It’s Not My Time’ a little bit, right?”

The musician is survived by his wife, Jennifer. He also leaves behind current band members Chris Henderson, Greg Upchurch, Chet Roberts and Justin Biltonen.

3 Doors Down founding member and guitarist Matt Roberts died in 2016 at the age of 38.