Sharon Jones Diagnosed With Cancer, Forced to Postpone Dap-Kings Album, Tour
Sharon Jones has been diagnosed with stage-one bile duct cancer, and that has forced her and her band, the Dap-Kings, to postpone both the Aug. 6 release of 'Give the People What They Want' and the tour that was to have supported it.
There is a light at the end of this tunnel, however: The cancer was reportedly detected early and has not spread. Jones will undergo rather invasive and complex surgery, which will lead to a long convalescence and recovery period, but according to a statement, her doctors expect that her recovery will be a full one.
A new release date for 'Give the People What They Want,' as well as rescheduled tour dates, are expected at a later date.
Jones issued the following statement about her condition, letting fans know that despite what appears to be grim prognosis, she is keeping a positive mental attitude. She also says that due to the early detection, the cancer is very beatable.
Over the last few weeks I haven’t felt good and I didn’t know what was going on. We sadly had to cancel shows while I went through a series of tests and short hospital stays. We just found out that I have a stage-one tumor on my bile duct. Luckily we caught it really early and fast and the doctors say it’s operable and curable!
I will be having surgery very soon and will have to rest and recover. I’ll be staying in touch and keeping my fans and friends updated on my progress. I’m looking forward to getting back on the road to give the people what they want!