Brad Arnold, founding member and lead vocalist of the rock band 3 Doors Down, passed away on February 7 at the age of 47, nine months after publicly revealing he had kidney cancer.

In a statement shared on the band’s official Instagram account, 3 Doors Down said Arnold died peacefully on February 7 surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife, Jennifer. The announcement did not disclose the location of his passing.

“Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer,” the band wrote. “His kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Those closest to Brad will remember not only his talent, but also his warmth, humility, faith, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.”

The band also emphasized Arnold’s lasting musical legacy: “As a founding member, lead singer, and the band’s original drummer, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock by blending accessible modern rock with emotionally rich songwriting and lyrics that resonated with everyday life.”

In May 2025, Arnold posted a video on social media revealing that he had been diagnosed with advanced renal cell carcinoma, which had spread to one of his lungs. Due to his declining health, 3 Doors Down was forced to cancel its planned summer 2025 tour.

Formed in 1996 in Escatawpa, Mississippi, 3 Doors Down rose to fame in 2000 with their breakout single Kryptonite, written by Arnold, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band went on to score multiple hits, including When I’m Gone and Here Without You, both of which peaked in the top five of the chart. Their music is commonly associated with modern rock, alternative rock, and hard rock.

Arnold’s death marks the loss of a defining voice in early-2000s American rock, whose songs continue to resonate with fans around the world.