Patti Scialfa reveals blood cancer diagnosis in new documentary

Patti Scialfa, a member of the E Street Band and wife of Bruce Springsteen, revealed her diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, during the premiere of the documentary 'Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band' at the Toronto International Film Festival. This diagnosis, which she received in 2018, has significantly impacted her ability to tour and perform, as she explained that her immune system is affected, necessitating caution in her activities. Scialfa, now 71, took a step back from performing around the time of Springsteen's 'Springsteen on Broadway' residency, stating that touring has become a challenge for her. She mentioned that while she occasionally performs a few songs at shows, her current situation is her 'new normal,' and she is at peace with it. Her absence from the documentary's premiere was noted, although Springsteen attended and was seen with other band members. In a 2023 interview, Scialfa discussed her hiatus from performing, indicating that she had been focusing on a solo album and helping care for her first grandchild, Lily, born in July 2022. She expressed that she felt less needed during performances due to the presence of many musicians on stage, which contributed to her decision to step back. Bruce Springsteen, who has also faced health challenges, postponed his world tour last year to recover from peptic ulcer disease. The couple, who reside in New Jersey, share three children: Evan, Jessica, and Sam, who welcomed Lily into the family.