3 Doors Down Founder Brad Arnold Dies at 47

The rock band announced the death of their lead singer and songwriter after his battle with cancer.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Brad Arnold, the founder, lead singer, and songwriter of the rock band 3 Doors Down, passed away on February 7th at the age of 47. Arnold had been battling renal cancer and lung cancer since announcing his diagnosis in May 2025. The band issued a statement expressing their grief and remembering Arnold's impact on their music and the lives of their fans.

Why it matters

3 Doors Down was one of the most popular rock bands of the 2000s, with hits like "Kryptonite" that resonated with a generation of listeners. Arnold's death marks the end of an era for the band and the loss of a talented musician and songwriter who helped define the sound of mainstream rock music.

The details

According to reports, Arnold made a social media announcement in May 2025 that the band would be canceling their summer tour due to his cancer diagnosis. His cancer spread from his kidney to his lung, and he passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 7, 2026, surrounded by his wife Jennifer and family.

  • Arnold announced his cancer diagnosis in May 2025.
  • Arnold passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 47.

The players

Brad Arnold

The founder, lead singer, and songwriter of the rock band 3 Doors Down, who passed away at the age of 47 after a battle with cancer.

3 Doors Down

The rock band that Arnold founded and led as the lead singer and songwriter, known for hits like "Kryptonite" that defined the sound of mainstream rock music in the 2000s.

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What they’re saying

“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, at the age of 47. With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.”

— 3 Doors Down (thesfnews.com)

The takeaway

Brad Arnold's death marks the end of an era for 3 Doors Down, a band that helped define the sound of mainstream rock music in the 2000s. Arnold's songwriting and vocal talents touched the lives of many fans, and his legacy will continue to live on through the band's enduring hits.