The Band of Heathens vocalist Gordy Quist shared a heartbreaking heath update on Monday via social media, revealing that the Folk singer was diagnosed with cancer.
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"I have some unfortunate news to share,"
Quist said in a video posted on the band's Facebook page. "October 20th, a week and a half ago, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer."I would urge all of you to please get your colonoscopy if you are overdue. It's super easy. Not a big deal. I'm very fortunate that I went to get mine. I've had zero symptoms and likely would have not had symptoms for a while."
He continued, "[Doctors] found a small, three-centimeter tumor. Also, we have since found that there is a lymph node right behind it. That is also lighting up and is likely cancerous."
Quist highlighted that he got a clean report on his liver and lungs, but will not hit the road for tour as he recovers.
"I don't know how long, but I'm going to dive head-first into this challenge and be focused on this. I can't travel at the moment," he said.
In his absence, The Band of Heathens will continue touring alongside Donovan Frankenreiter.
"Beyond that tour, I'm not sure what things will look like," Quist said. "We are still trying to figure it out."
Quist co-founded The Band of Heathens in Austin, TX in 2005.
The Band of Heathens scored a RIAA-certified Gold record and made several appearances at the famed Austin City Limits music festival with Quist at the helm.
The group has released 17 studio albums. They are best known for hit songs "Hurricane" and "Medicine Man."
Famed Singer Will Remain Active Amid Cancer Diagnosis
Quist admitted that he expects the next 12 months to be "really tough," but noted that he will dedicate even more time to the vocal booth.
"I feel healthy and strong. I've been encouraged to keep working out and keep working in town," he said, adding, "I'll be diving into the studio. Doing lots of studio work. Look me up if you want to work on a project. I'll be around.
Quist shared that his life has been filled with such adventure, that he feels as though he has lived "four to five times."
The singer added that he will be surrounded by family and loved ones as he recovers.
