Betty Malo, the wife of The Mavericks frontman Raul Malo, shared a social media post on Thanksgiving eve letting fans know just how thankful the singer and his family are for them.
Malo has been openly battling an ominous stage 4 cancer diagnosis, and his wife shared a post from the family’s dinner table Wednesday night. But it wasn’t food on the table. Instead, it was letters from fans.
“As a family, we sit together and open every single get-well card receives,” she wrote on Facebook. “He reads each one, and we take in every word. They come from all over the world, reminding us how deeply he is loved. What touches us the most are the stories — these moments when people share how his music carried them through their own battles with illness, grief, or loss. Now, your messages have become our songs. They are what carry us through this hell we are living in, giving us strength on the days we need it most.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, your prayers, and your support,” she added. “And to everyone who has donated to Raul’s GoFundMe: please know that your generosity is heling us fight for the best care possible. We feel your kindness in every step of this journey.
“We are so grateful.”
Malo, who is battling stage 4 cancer and was also recently diagnosed with Leptomenigeal Disease, is set to be celebrated with a two-night show in December.
The Mavericks shared the news on its Instagram page on Wednesday.
“We’re proud to announce the Dance The Night Away: A 35-year Musical Legacy Celebrating The Mavericks & Honoring Raul Malo, December 5-6 at (Ryman) Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee,” the statement read. “A 2-night tribute show in honor of Raul and the band’s decades-long history and contributions to American and Latin music, these special evenings will feature guest appearances from an exceptional lineup of friends and artists performing selections from The Mavericks’ storied catalog of classics.”
The group shared a long list of performers who are slated to take part including Jamy Johnson, Marty Stuart, Steve Earle, Chuck Mead, Cimafunk, Emily West, Hector Tellez Jr., Jaime Hana, JD McPherson, James Otto, Jim Lauderdale, Jese Dayton, Jimmie Vaughan, Joshua Ray Walker, Maggie Rose, Mandy Barnett, Nicole Atkins, Waylon Payne, Sweet Lizzy Project, Wade Hayes, Seth Walker, Nikkie Lane, Patty Griffin and Ray Benson.
“While Raul is not able to perform, he will be present and honored throughout both nights,” the statement added. “These shows will take the place of our previously scheduled Ryman dates, with all tickets to remain valid and no new tickets necessary. We look forward to seeing you all in December for a celebration of music, memories, and the remarkable legacy of Raul Malo and the Mavericks.”
“I’m really looking forward to these two nights at the Ryman,” Malo said according to Taste of Country. “The overwhelming support and love from my musician friends, fans, friends and family will prove these shows to be something special.”
Brian Linder is the trending editor and the retail, restaurant and real estate editor at PennLive.com. He has more than 20 years of experience working for newspapers first in South Carolina, then Daytona Beach,…
