Brad Arnold, founder and lead singer of 3 Doors Down, died at the age of 47, his band shared on February 7, 2026. In a statement posted on social media, the group confirmed he passed away peacefully with his wife, Jennifer, and family by his side. The band highlighted that the music they had made creates deep emotional connections with fans and leaves an important legacy that extends beyond the stage.
“With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones,” the band’s statement said. “His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on.”
Arnold revealed in May 2025 that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a serious form of kidney cancer. Because of his illness, the band canceled their planned summer tour. Regardless of the diagnosis, he publicly said he was not afraid and remained positive. In January 2025, he told Blabbermouth.net that his decade of sobriety had been the best period of his life, after openly struggling with alcoholism earlier in his career.
Brad Arnold formed 3 Doors Down in 1996 with guitarist Matt Roberts and bassist Todd Harrell. The group achieved international success with the 2000 song “Kryptonite,” which earned a Grammy nomination. Band members have described their vocalist as a devoted husband, a generous person, and an artist remembered for both his talent and his strong faith with love for family and friends.
“He was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.”