Singer-songwriter Paul Cauthen, known for his deep, soulful voice and outlaw-country style, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer just weeks after canceling his tour due to health concerns.
The 39-year-old musician shared the news in an emotional video posted to Instagram on March 14, detailing the events leading up to his diagnosis and reflecting on the importance of listening to his body.
A Sudden Health Crisis on Tour
Cauthen had been on the road performing when he began experiencing alarming symptoms. What initially seemed like a bad case of pneumonia quickly escalated, leaving him struggling to push through performances.
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In his video, the “Country Coming Down” artist admitted that he had been relying on steroids to keep going, but things took a terrifying turn when he woke up one night with blue lips and a pale face.
“It just scared the hell out of me,” Cauthen recalled. “Something woke me up, and I just knew I needed to stop.”
At that moment, he made the difficult but necessary decision to leave the tour and return home to Texas. Coincidentally, his tour bus was near the Des Moines International Airport at the time, making it easy for him to catch a flight back home.
“I kinda shook myself, you know,” he said. “And listened to myself for the first time in a long time.”
A Shocking Diagnosis
After returning home, Cauthen decided to undergo a full health evaluation at the Cooper Clinic in Dallas. Initially, doctors gave him good news—his scans were mostly clear. But then, they noticed a small irregularity: a spot that needed further examination.
That small spot turned out to be a mass on his right thyroid, and further tests confirmed that it was papillary carcinoma, the most common type of thyroid cancer.
“They told me that it is papillary carcinoma and that it’s cancer,” Cauthen shared somberly.
The diagnosis was a wake-up call for the musician, who admitted that the time off had forced him to reflect on his lifestyle and priorities.
“I have had a lot of time to reflect and realize that life is short and precious,” he said.
A Hard but Hopeful Road Ahead
Despite the shocking news, Cauthen remains optimistic. He expressed deep gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support and assured them that he is not giving up on his music career.
“I’m not done by any means,” he declared. “And I know that I’m a vessel on stage and that God has me here for a reason.”
Fans flooded the comment section with messages of encouragement, thanking him for being open about his journey and applauding him for prioritizing his health.
“Paul, you are an inspiration to many people,” one fan wrote. “I have been a fan from the very first song I heard.”
Another supporter added,
“Wishing you a quick recovery. So glad you were able to slow down and listen to your body to give it the care it needs.”
Cauthen’s team had previously announced on February 6 that he was taking a break from touring for both mental and physical health reasons. At the time, they stated,
“We all love Paul very much, and we are very happy and relieved that he has made this decision to put himself first. It is obviously necessary to cancel all of his shows for the foreseeable future.”
The statement also reassured fans that ticket holders would be able to receive information regarding refunds from the venues directly.
Looking Toward the Future
Cauthen’s battle with thyroid cancer is just beginning, but he is facing it with determination and faith.
While he has not yet shared details about his treatment plan, early detection of papillary carcinoma often leads to successful outcomes.
Many thyroid cancer patients undergo surgery to remove the affected thyroid gland, followed by hormone replacement therapy.
Through it all, Cauthen remains steadfast in his belief that his music career is far from over. He plans to continue writing and performing as soon as he is able, and his fans can expect to see him back on stage when the time is right.
For now, he is focused on his health, grateful for the wake-up call that may have saved his life.
“I know that God has me here for a reason,” he said. “And I’m gonna keep going.”
