In the poignant documentary Rock Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, Patti Scialfa shares her courageous journey with cancer. The E Street Band member and wife of Bruce Springsteen reveals her 2018 diagnosis with multiple myeloma.
Scialfa’s diagnosis has forced her to reevaluate her priorities, balancing her passion for music with her health. “My immune system is compromised, so I have to be mindful of my choices,” she explains. As a result, she’s stepped back from touring, opting for more selective performances alongside her husband.
Family has become a central focus for Scialfa. She cherishes time with her granddaughter, Lily, born in 2022, and has rediscovered her solo artistic voice. “I didn’t feel as essential on stage, so I shifted my energy,” she says.
During Bruce’s studio commitments, Scialfa seized the opportunity to work on her solo album. “It was my chance to shine,” she remarks.
The Springsteen household has faced health challenges recently, with Bruce postponing tour dates in 2023 due to peptic ulcer disease and again in 2024 for vocal issues. Through it all, Patti’s resilience and creative spirit continue to inspire.
