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Southern Rock Legend Donnie Van Zant Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis, Urges Fans to Get Screened
Southern rock stalwart Donnie Van Zant, a founding member of the iconic band 38 Special, recently shared with fans that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The usually private musician, who now focuses on gospel music, used his brother Johnny Van Zant’s social media platform to deliver the news and express gratitude for the outpouring of support.
“Hey Y’all, I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers that have lifted me up over the past couple of weeks!” Van Zant posted. He continued by saying that while sharing such personal information was challenging, he hoped his openness would raise awareness about the critical importance of pre-screening.
Van Zant revealed that he will undergo 45 radiation treatments, five days a week. “I’m gonna leave this in God’s hands, folks. I’m not gonna worry about it,” he stated, maintaining a positive outlook.
The announcement prompted an immediate flood of supportive messages from fans across social media. Comments ranged from “You look good, Donnie!
Stay strong-I know you will never stop fighting. We’re out here pulling for you and fighting right along with you, brother,” to “Get better Donnie, God bless you,” and even “Just know your brother Ronnie is watching over you-you’ve got a good guardian angel watching over you.”
Donnie and his brother Johnny currently perform together as the Van Zant Band, a Southern Christian rock project. Their eldest brother, Ronnie, was the original lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd before his untimely passing in 1977. Johnny later took on the role when the band reformed a decade later.
Beyond sharing his personal health battle, Van Zant made a heartfelt plea to men, urging them to prioritize their health. “For the guys 40 years old and older, I want you to do me a favor: when you go to your family doctor, ask for a prescription for a PSA – that’s a test on your prostate,” he advised. He emphasized that it’s a simple blood test that can establish a baseline for annual checks, potentially saving individuals from significant health issues.
Van Zant, who released the album Always Look Up in 2024, promised to provide updates on his journey through his brother’s page. “I know I’m gonna get through this – it ain’t gonna be a big problem for me, you know?” he concluded, thanking fans for their prayers and well wishes.
38 Special remains beloved for hits such as “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” and “If I’d Been the One.”