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Montell Jordan Grateful for James Van Der Beek's Cancer Journey
Singer opens up about his own battle with prostate cancer and the impact of Van Der Beek's story.
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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Singer Montell Jordan, 57, is speaking out about how the late actor James Van Der Beek's public battle with colorectal cancer affected his own journey with prostate cancer. Jordan was diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in 2024 and initially kept the news private before undergoing a successful prostatectomy. However, the cancer later returned in his lymph nodes, requiring radiation treatment. Jordan and his wife Kristin say they are "appreciative" of Van Der Beek's openness about his cancer experience, as it helped raise awareness.
Why it matters
Jordan's comments highlight the power of public figures sharing their cancer journeys, as it can inspire and educate others facing similar diagnoses. The article also emphasizes the importance of early detection, which helped Jordan make critical treatment decisions and ultimately become cancer-free.
The details
Jordan was diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in early 2024, but he and his wife initially kept the news private, not even telling their five children for the first six months. They eventually shared the diagnosis with their older kids, who urged them to tell the rest of the family. Jordan underwent a successful prostatectomy, but the cancer later returned in his lymph nodes in 2025, requiring radiation treatment. After his treatment, Jordan and his family were able to celebrate being "cancer-free" on Christmas Day.
- Jordan was diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in early 2024.
- In 2025, scans determined the cancer had returned in Jordan's lymph nodes, requiring radiation treatment.
- On Christmas Day 2025, Jordan and his family were able to celebrate being "cancer-free" for the second time.
The players
Montell Jordan
A 57-year-old singer who was diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer in 2024.
Kristin Jordan
Montell Jordan's wife of nearly 32 years.
James Van Der Beek
The late actor who publicly battled stage 3 colorectal cancer and passed away in 2026 at the age of 48.
What they’re saying
“I think that James has a very, very profound journey that he's been on. We are different, just from the standpoint of demographically, [storytelling] wise, as far as actors and musicians. I think it's almost like, in this great big chess board of life, you have different pieces that make different moves.”
— Montell Jordan, Singer (Us Weekly)
“We didn't say anything to them because we didn't know how to really navigate that with them without them feeling like they were also carrying cancer.”
— Kristin Jordan, Montell Jordan's Wife (Us Weekly)
What’s next
With February being National Cancer Prevention Month, Montell Jordan emphasized the importance of early detection, which helped him make critical treatment decisions and ultimately become cancer-free.
The takeaway
Montell Jordan's openness about his cancer journey, and his appreciation for James Van Der Beek's public battle, underscores the power of public figures sharing their experiences to raise awareness and inspire others facing similar diagnoses.
