Bruce Springsteen Says 'Questions of Mortality' Have Become 'Part of' Life amid Wife Patti Scialfa’s Cancer Diagnosis

Mar. 15, 2025

Bruce Springsteen (left) and Patti Scialfa in 2021.Photo:Taylor Hill/Getty

Taylor Hill/Getty

The subject of mortality is onBruce Springsteen’s mind following his wifePatti Scialfa’s blood cancer diagnosis.

In the new documentaryRoad Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Scialfa, 71, publicly revealed she was diagnosed with the rare cancer multiple myeloma in 2018. The longtime member of Springsteen’s E Street Band also opened up about facing difficulties performing as a result of her illness.

PEOPLE was present for a panel at the doc’s Los Angeles premiere at the Academy of Motion Pictures Museumon Monday, Oct. 21, where Springsteen, 75, opened up about how his wife’s diagnosis has led to him speaking about the importance of cherishing life during performances.

“Hey, you get up around our age, and those are the things you’re thinking about,” he told the audience. “Patti and I have had to deal with her illness, and you’re worried about… it is a part of your life now, questions of mortality, and it just becomes a part of your life.”

Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa in 1992.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Elsewhere in the panel, Springsteen spoke about why he made the documentary today: “Well, if we didn’t make it now, I’d be dead pretty soon. We got to make these while we can.”

Road Diarypremiered Sunday, Sept. 8 at the Toronto International Film Festival, and the doc chronicles Springsteen and his band as they reunite and embark on their first tour since 2017. The tour is still ongoing.

Due to her diagnosis, Scialfa hasn’t been able to perform at every show, but in the film, she shares how much she enjoys her time onstage.

Patti Scialfa (left) and Bruce Springsteen in January 2024.Todd Williamson/Getty

Todd Williamson/Getty

“I’ve been performing with this band for 40 years. With those first performances, it felt so good to be back onstage. Touring has become a challenge for me," Scialfa says in the documentary. “In 2018, well, Bruce and I weredoing a playon Broadway. I was diagnosed with early stage multiple myeloma.”

Although the disease, which impacts her immune system, has caused her to be more cautious, she still loves to perform.

“This affects my immune system, so I just have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go,” she adds. “Every once in a while, I come to a show or two and I can sing a few songs onstage, and that’s been a treat. That’s the new normal for me right now, and I’m okay with that.”

In the ABC News SpecialBruce Springsteen: Backstage and Backstreets, which aired on Oct. 20, Springsteen shared anupdate on his wife’s health.

While The Boss noted that multiple myeloma is a “tough disease” and “very fatiguing,” he added, “She’s doing good. We caught it early, which was important.”

source: people.com