The country music world was shaken when Raul Malo, lead singer of The Mavericks, shared an update about his ongoing cancer battle. But even in the face of adversity, Malo and his band are leaning into hope — and their fans are showing up for them in a big way.
Following the announcement, the frontman took to Instagram with a powerful message. The post featured a photo of Malo, seen from behind, walking down a hallway in a Tennessee Titans jersey with his name on the back.
The caption featured a quote by boxing legend Muhammad Ali, “Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
The sentiment resonated with fans, who flooded the comments with messages of love, strength and support. “My heart, my prayers go out to you Raul. Stay strong YOU are loved,” one fan wrote.
Another shared a touching ritual they’ve taken up on Malo’s behalf. “I lit a candle for you there, as I have been doing in every cathedral I’ve visited. Be well. You are so loved.”
More prayers and words of encouragement followed, like “sending prayers of love and strength. Thank you for giving us so many years of entertainment. Now is YOUR time,” and “You’re strong #RaulMalo. We are always there for you. Thinking of you, and prayers.”
Malo, 60, has been candid about his battle with stage 4 colon cancer, first revealing his diagnosis in 2024. But last week, he took to Facebook to share a more serious turn in his condition.
“Dear Friends, I want to update you all on my health, as things have taken a turn,” he wrote on Instagram. “As it goes with cancer, it’s a very unpredictable and indiscriminatory disease. I’ve developed something called LMD, which stands for ‘get this (expletive) out of my head.’”
Leptomeningeal Disease is a rare condition that occurs when cancer spreads to the leptomeninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and the cerebrospinal fluid. According to Cleveland Clinic, LMD has no known cure.
Malo also shared what’s next in his treatment journey. “Treatment for this is radiation, which I will start tomorrow. We will probably jump into some chemo and are even looking at alternative therapies. But it’s time to take to heart your words of resting & recovering, so that’s what I’m going to do.”
In the same post, Malo reported that all upcoming shows are now canceled as he focuses on his health. However, he hinted at future creative pursuits, reassuring fans that The Mavericks aren’t going anywhere.
“We’ll continue doing cool projects, releasing live recordings, merchandise, Trovador and so forth,” he wrote. “Hang on to your tickets for the Ryman in December, as we are planning something special there, and hope to announce that very soon.”
Though the diagnosis is serious, Malo ended his message on a hopeful note. “I want to let everybody know, I am in no way alone, or scared,” he said.
“I have an amazing wife and boys, wonderful family, team, road crew, band, friends and fans. I don’t even have enough words to describe the love and support that I’m getting right now. To my friends who have sent me texts and messages, I want you to know that I’ve read them all.I can’t return them all, but your love, prayers, and well wishes have not gone unnoticed.”
