Kansas Frontman Ronnie Platt Diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer: 'Just a Bump in the Road'

Mar. 15, 2025

Kansas frontman Ronnie Platt in Temecula in September 2024.Photo:Daniel Knighton/Getty

Daniel Knighton/Getty

Ronnie Platthas revealed that he’s been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.The 64-year-oldKansaslead singer shared the news in apost on Facebookon Feb. 15.“For all of you asking, Tuesday I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer but before everyone gets all excited, it has a 99% survival rate, it has not spread,” Platt wrote. “It’s contained to my thyroid. I just have to have my thyroid removed. Go through some rehab time and be right back in the saddle.”Ronnie Platt performs in Thousand Oaks in September 2022.Scott Dudelson/GettyPlatt went on to thank the iconic rock band’s fans for their support after the group had to reschedule and cancel multiple shows.“I sincerely appreciate everyone’s positive thoughts and prayers,” Platt continued. “I have some absolutely amazing people going to bat for me!! as it has been put to me, this is just a bump in the road and will be behind me very soon! So everyone please CARRY ON!”According to theMayo Clinic, “Thyroid cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. But as it grows, it can cause signs and symptoms, such as swelling in your neck, voice changes and difficulty swallowing.”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.The band rescheduled shows in Catoosa, Okla. and Durant, Okla. for dates in November and canceled two shows in New Orleans and Lake Charles, La., citing “band illness and doctor advisement.”Rich Williams, Tom Brislin, Billy Greer, Phil Ehart, David Ragsdale and Ronnie Platt of Kansas perform in Thousand Oaks in September 2022.Scott Dudelson/Getty"Our goal is to be back on the road as soon as possible," assistant band manager J.R. Rees told the siteUltimate Classic Rock. “Right now, we’re all focused on supporting Ronnie through this.“Kansas was formed in 1973 and is known for hits like “Carry on My Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Platt joined as the group’s lead vocalist in 2014. The group’s most recent album,The Absence of Presence, was released in July 2020.

Ronnie Platthas revealed that he’s been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

The 64-year-oldKansaslead singer shared the news in apost on Facebookon Feb. 15.

“For all of you asking, Tuesday I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer but before everyone gets all excited, it has a 99% survival rate, it has not spread,” Platt wrote. “It’s contained to my thyroid. I just have to have my thyroid removed. Go through some rehab time and be right back in the saddle.”

Ronnie Platt performs in Thousand Oaks in September 2022.Scott Dudelson/Getty

Scott Dudelson/Getty

Platt went on to thank the iconic rock band’s fans for their support after the group had to reschedule and cancel multiple shows.

“I sincerely appreciate everyone’s positive thoughts and prayers,” Platt continued. “I have some absolutely amazing people going to bat for me!! as it has been put to me, this is just a bump in the road and will be behind me very soon! So everyone please CARRY ON!”

According to theMayo Clinic, “Thyroid cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. But as it grows, it can cause signs and symptoms, such as swelling in your neck, voice changes and difficulty swallowing.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The band rescheduled shows in Catoosa, Okla. and Durant, Okla. for dates in November and canceled two shows in New Orleans and Lake Charles, La., citing “band illness and doctor advisement.”

Rich Williams, Tom Brislin, Billy Greer, Phil Ehart, David Ragsdale and Ronnie Platt of Kansas perform in Thousand Oaks in September 2022.Scott Dudelson/Getty

“Our goal is to be back on the road as soon as possible,” assistant band manager J.R. Rees told the siteUltimate Classic Rock. “Right now, we’re all focused on supporting Ronnie through this.”

Kansas was formed in 1973 and is known for hits like “Carry on My Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” Platt joined as the group’s lead vocalist in 2014. The group’s most recent album,The Absence of Presence, was released in July 2020.

source: people.com