The Decemberists keyboard player Jenny Conlee has been diagnosed with breast cancer, the band announced last night (May 3).
According to a post on the band’s official website, Decemberists.com, Conlee was diagnosed with the condition last month.
The post reads: “About a month ago, we all at The Decemberists HQ got hit with some pretty hard news. Jenny Conlee, our accordion and keyboard player and all-around rad person was diagnosed with breast cancer.”
It goes on: “The good news is that Jenny caught it early. And while the prognosis is very, very good for a full recovery, tackling the disease will mean some intensive treatment as well as a lot of important recovery time.”
The band have said that they will not be cancelling any tour dates, but that Conlee will “very likely miss all nine of our concerts in May and June.”
Conlee herself has also posted a message, in which she writes: “I am very sorry to say that I will be missing a few shows coming up as I go through treatment for breast cancer. The band and crew are like family to me and have been incredibly supportive and understanding.”
She continues: “I will try to get into surgery as soon as I can after we return from this leg of the tour so I can begin my recovery. There are still a few unknowns out there concerning my cancer, but I am thinking positive and hope to be back on the road soon.”
The Decemberists released their sixth album, ‘The King Is Dead’ in January.