3 Doors Down Founder Brad Arnold Dies at 47 After Cancer Battle

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Brad Arnold, the founder, lead singer, and songwriter of the rock band 3 Doors Down, has died at the age of 47 after a brief fight with Stage IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Arnold passed away on February 7, 2026, in his sleep with his wife Jennifer and family by his side.

Why it matters

As the founder and driving creative force behind the hugely successful rock band 3 Doors Down, Brad Arnold's passing marks the end of an era for the group and its devoted fanbase. Arnold's songwriting and powerful vocals were central to the band's breakthrough success in the early 2000s, making this a significant loss for the music world.

The details

Arnold was born in Escatawpa, Mississippi in 1978 and formed 3 Doors Down with his high school friends Matt Roberts and Todd Harrell in 1996. The band's debut album 'The Better Life' became a major hit in 2000, selling over 4 million copies. Arnold was married twice, first to his high school sweetheart Terika Roberts in 2001 before divorcing in 2007. He then married his second wife Jennifer Sanderford, a professional barrel racer, in 2009. In May 2025, Arnold was diagnosed with Stage IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer that had metastasized to his lungs.

• Brad Arnold was born on September 27, 1978 in Escatawpa, Mississippi.
• 3 Doors Down formed in 1996 when Arnold was still in high school.
• The band's debut album 'The Better Life' was released in 2000.
• Arnold married his first wife Terika Roberts in 2001.
• Arnold and Terika Roberts divorced in 2007.
• Arnold married his second wife Jennifer Sanderford in 2009.
• Arnold was diagnosed with Stage IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma in May 2025.
• Arnold passed away on February 7, 2026.