Jo Dee Messina has been diagnosed with cancer and has cancelled all tour dates after Oct. 7. Jo Dee will begin treatment this fall.
The news was shared via a post by “Team JDM” on Jo Dee’s website. Included in the post was a lyric video for Jo Dee’s new song, “Here,” which she penned and recorded after learning of her diagnosis.
Read the full statement by Team JDM below. The lyric video for “Here” is also featured below.
“Over the years, Jo Dee has built a close relationship with her fans, so those of us at Team JDM wanted to be the first to let you know that she was recently diagnosed with cancer. It has been a trying summer, but her heart has been filled with gratitude for the many opportunities she has had to see God’s hand at work.
“As many of you know, Jo Dee is a believer who feels blessed to be surrounded by the love of God — a love that has brought her the inner peace. On her lowest of low days, she has been able to see God’s hand at work and feel His love as she continues her walk. It is because of our Father’s love that she has been able to find the beauty in the days that could have brought her the most fear, gratitude in moments that most would call unfair, and companionship during times she might feel the loneliest.
“We don’t know anything specific regarding the treatment plan at this point, but Jo Dee is working closely with a team to explore all options. She has taken the semester off from classes at The King’s University, and her last tour date for the year will be October 7 (all other 2017 dates are being postponed), as she will begin cancer treatment this Fall.
“Jo Dee has been working with producer Seth Mosley, and in a recent writing session wrote the song ‘Here’ with Seth and Mia Fieldes. Seth was deeply moved to see her faith following her diagnosis while the two worked in the studio together. ‘It was one of the most powerful moments I’ve had in my entire studio career,’ Seth told Team JDM. ‘To see Jo Dee singing “there’s no pain, there’s no fear, here” through the cancer and the chaos that she is walking through . . . God is going to use her and her story to intercept people in their pain and remind them that He is near.’
“We will continue to keep fans updated on Jo Dee’s journey and appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers, and support she has already received.”
—Team JDM
In addition to her 1996 breakout hit, “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” Jo Dee has earned six Billboard No. 1 singles over her 20-plus-year career, including “Bye, Bye,” “I’m Alright” and “Bring on the Rain.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jo Dee and her family.
Watch the lyric video to “Here” below.
