Patti Scialfa, E Street Bandmate and Bruce Springsteen's wife, reveals secret battle with blood cancer

Patti Scialfa, wife of Bruce Springsteen and longtime member of the E Street Band, has revealed that she was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer in 2018, during the lauded Springsteen on Broadway concert residency.

Scialfa addressed her diagnosis of multiple myeloma in the new documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, which premiered on Sunday night at the Toronto Film Festival. In the film, a in-depth look at the rock legend and his tight-knit bandmates, she shared that her illness has made it difficult for her to perform alongside the E Street Band. As a result, the singer-songwriter and guitarist has taken a step back from touring.

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

Scialfa first joined the E Street Band in 1984, bringing backing vocals to the Born in the USA tour, and began a romantic relationship with Springsteen later that decade, following his divorce from first wife Julianne Phillips. The New Jersey musician became a key player on several records since joining the E Street Band, including  1992's Human Touch and Lucky Town. She's established herself as a successful solo artist, too, releasing three albums: 1993's Rumble Doll, 2004's 23rd Street Lullaby and 2007's Play It As It Lays.

Springsteen suffered health issues of his own during a world tour, his first with the E Street Band since 2017. In September 2023, he postponed the remainder of the tour that year to focus on his health while receiving treatment for peptic ulcer disease. In May of this year, Springsteen followed advice from doctors and postponed four more dates due to "vocal issues".

Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band has premiered at the Toronto film festival and will air on Hulu and Disney + from 25 October.