Singer Freddie Jackson, 67, Diagnosed with Kidney Disease, Says He's Facing It with 'Openness and Resilience'

Mar. 15, 2025

R&B singer Freddie Jackson shared that he’s been diagnosed with kidney disease.Photo:Freddie Jackson/Facebook

Freddie Jackson/Facebook

Freddie Jackson has been diagnosed withkidney disease, theR&B singershared in videos posted to hissocial media channelson Sept. 4.

“After a lot of thought and reflection, I’ve come to a point where I feel I’m ready to talk about a recent chapter in my life,” Jackson, 67, said in the video.

“I have been diagnosed withkidney disease. This journey has had its challenges but I’ve decided to face it with openness and resilience.”

Jackson, who toppedBillboard’sR&B singles chartsin the 1980s with a slew of hits including “You Are My Lady,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody,” and “Jam Tonight,” said that he hopes his work with the National Kidney Foundation will “help shine a light on the importance of this issue.”

He thanked his fans for their support, saying, “As I take this step, I’m turning my personal experience into a platform for greater understanding and advocacy. With your help, we can work towards better awareness and improved outcomes for everyone with kidney disease.”

Kidney disease, theMayo Clinicexplains, “involves a gradual loss of kidney function.”

The disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, “which is fatal without artificial filtering (dialysis) or akidney transplant.”

Freddie Jackson performs in London in 1988.Michael Putland/Getty

Michael Putland/Getty

Aside from the kidneys, the disease can impact “almost every part of your body,” the Mayo Clinic says, leading to weak bones, heart disease, or a decreased immune response.

TheU.S. Centers for Disease Controlestimates that 1 in 7 Americans have chronic kidney disease — and that 9 out of 10 don’t even know they have it.

Jackson ended his video with appreciation for his fans, saying, “Thank you for your encouragement, your love and your support. It means more to me than I can express.”

“From the bottom of my heart, I love you.”

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source: people.com