‘I can’t tell ya how thankful I am to be here’: Brad Arnold’s last post before passing away

American singer and songwriter, Brad Arnold. Picture: X/Twitter Tributes are continuing to pour in for Brad Arnold, lead singer of Grammy-nominated rock band 3 Doors Down. Arnold passed away on Saturday, 7 February, at the age of 47 after a long battle with cancer.

In May last year, he announced that he had been diagnosed with stage four clear cell renal carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer that had spread to his lungs. His band confirmed his passing in a statement over the weekend. “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,” the statement read.

The band highlighted Arnold’s contribution to the the rock music industry, adding that “those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith and deep love for his family and friends”. “As a founding member, vocalist and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners.” In his last Instagram post on Christmas Day, Arnold shared a picture of himself with his dog and his wife. “Merry Christmas, everybody. I can’t tell ya how thankful I am to be here!” he wrote.