When I’m Gone: 3 Doors Down Singer Brad Arnold Passed Away at 47

Brad Arnold was just 47 years old when he passed away on February 7^th after a short battle with stage 4 cancer.  ‘Advanced-stage clear cell renal carcinoma kidney cancer that had metastasized into his lung’ was what Brad told us last May and while he didn’t sound optimistic, he sounded strong, resilient, and ready to accept a lucky break to live for decades longer.  But you could tell in the video and then in the post around Christmas time, that he seemed humbled.  This was a man who could stand in front of a crowd of tens of thousands and be able to fill everyone with plenty of emotions from his lyrics and singing. 

He looked much more frail in December than he had in May and though it wasn’t said, it appeared that it was inevitable: Arnold would probably leave us soon.  There was no positive update, just a photo of him and his wife Jennifer and their dog. “Merry Christmas everybody. I can’t tell ya how happy I am to be here.”  While it was a great message and must have been tough for Brad to pose for the photo knowing he had lost a lot of weight and was kneeling, not standing up straight, but he wanted some kind of direct communication with his family, friends, and fans. 

Born September 7, 1978, in Escatawpa, Mississippi, Brad Arnold lived a tremendous life and gave a lot of himself in his songs.  Fans picked up real life themes that they could relate to and learn from.  3 Doors Down had plenty of hits, all with Arnold singing, so hopefully the media that covers this band will not make it all about one song – “Kryptonite” and maybe sees the whole catalog to realize, 3 Doors Down had made music people loved for years. 

He was well-liked by those around him, by fans, and was an influence on other rock bands.  He will be missed. We hope he's living 'The Better Life'.

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