3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold has died at the age of 47.
The rocker passed away on Saturday (07.02.26), surrounded by his wife, Jennifer Sanderford, and his family – just months after he announced his stage four kidney cancer diagnosis.
Taking to Instagram that day, the band announced: “With heavy hearts, we share the news that Brad Arnold, founder, lead singer, and songwriter of 3 Doors Down, passed away on Saturday, February 7th, at the age of 47.
“With his beloved wife Jennifer and his family by his side, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.”
3 Doors Down – formed in 1996 by Brad, Matt Roberts (lead guitar and backing vocals), and Todd Harrell (bass guitar) – credited Brad with helping to “redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners.”
The band – named after a building they spotted in Foley, Alabama, that read “Doors Down” and then the trio added the number three to represent the members of the group – added: “Brad’s songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band’s breakout hit, Kryptonite, which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old.
“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.”
3 Doors Down – who enlisted Chris Henderson as a second guitarist in 1998, and added Richard Liles as drummer in 1999, the same year the band signed Universal/Republic Records – then remembered Brad for being a “devoted husband to Jennifer”.
The band added: “His kindness, humour and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith and deep love for his family and friends.
“The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected.
“He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
3 Doors Down’s current line-up is Chris, Greg Upchurch (drums), Chet Roberts (lead guitar, backing vocals), and Justin Biltonen (bass).
In May 2025, Brad – who was married to his high school sweetheart Terika Roberts from 2001 until their divorce in 2007 – announced he was battling clear cell renal carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer, that has metastasised into his lung.
In a video update shared to Instagram, he said: “I hope you’re having a great day today. I’ve got some not-so-good news for you today.
“I’ve been sick [since] a couple of weeks and went to the hospital and got it checked out. Actually got the diagnosis that I’ve got clear cell renal carcinoma that had metastasised into my lung, and it’s stage four; that’s not real good…”
Brad – who married Jennifer in 2009 – vowed to fend off the deadly disease.
He continued: “But you know what? We serve a mighty God, and he can overcome anything. So I have no fear.
“I really, sincerely am not scared of it at all.”
Referring to the band’s 2008 song It’s Not My Time, Brad captioned the clip: “Thank you for all the memories so far. Now, I believe “ITS NOT MY TIME” is really my song.
“This’ll be a battle so we need our prayers warriors! Thank y’all for being the best fans in the world. We love y’all! (sic)”