Cody Johnson Shocks the World: Reveals Terminal Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis with Limited Time Left
In a heartbreaking and unexpected announcement released earlier today, Cody Johnson, 38 — the world-renowned singer and cultural icon — revealed that he has been privately battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer for more than a year. The ‘Til You Can’t and Dirt Cheap superstar shared that despite undergoing extensive treatment, the disease has continued to advance — and doctors have now told him that his time is limited.
The Texas-born artist, known for his commanding baritone voice, authentic cowboy image, and rapid rise from independent honky-tonks to arena headliner, posted a somber three-minute video on Instagram and X this morning. Sitting on the porch of his Huntsville ranch wearing his signature black Resistol hat, Johnson spoke directly to his millions of fans with the same unflinching honesty that has defined his career.
“I’ve never been one to sugarcoat anything,” he began, voice steady but eyes visibly red. “For the past fourteen months I’ve been fighting stage 4 pancreatic cancer. We’ve thrown everything at it — chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials, every prayer chain from here to Australia. But the cancer has spread to my liver and lymph nodes, and the doctors have told me my time left is short.”
Johnson revealed that the first symptoms appeared in late 2024 during the final leg of his sold-out Leather Tour. What he initially dismissed as exhaustion and back pain from years of bull riding bulls turned out to be far more sinister. By January 2025, scans confirmed the devastating diagnosis. He immediately paused all public appearances, cancelled the remaining 2025 tour dates, and began aggressive treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston while keeping the news completely private.
“Only my wife Brandi, our two little girls, and a handful of family knew,” he continued. “I didn’t want pity. I didn’t want headlines. I just wanted to fight this thing like I fight everything else — head-on and without excuses.”
The news explains the prolonged absence that had sparked growing concern among fans. The usually prolific social media poster went quiet for weeks at a time. Rumors ranged from vocal issues to family emergencies, but no one suspected the truth.
In the video, Johnson thanked his “CoJo Nation” for their unwavering support, recalling how fans packed arenas in 2024 and 2025, singing every word to hits like Human, On My Way to You, and his multi-week No. 1 “‘Til You Can’t,” which won Single and Song of the Year at the 2024 CMAs.
“I’ve lived a hell of a life in 38 years,” he said, managing a small smile. “Rodeoed, worked in a prison, married the love of my life, had two beautiful daughters and one more on the way. Got to sing for presidents and cowboys alike. If this is how the ride ends, I’m still the luckiest man in Texas.”
He concluded with a message of gratitude to his medical team, his record label Warner Music Nashville, and his fans worldwide: “Keep the music loud, keep your people close, and never wait ‘til you can’t to tell ‘em you love ‘em.”
Within minutes of the post, #CoJoStrong began trending worldwide. Fellow artists flooded social media with messages of love and disbelief. Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, and even Post Malone (who featured Johnson on his 2025 country album) posted tributes. The Country Music Association announced it would dedicate the upcoming January 2026 awards show in his honor.
As of this writing, Cody Johnson remains at home surrounded by family, reportedly still writing songs and planning to record final vocals from his ranch studio. Brandi Johnson posted a single photo of the couple holding hands at sunset with the caption: “Forever my cowboy. We love you all.”
The world waits, prays, and holds its breath for one of country music’s brightest stars in his darkest hour.
