“I’m lucky it’s not life-threatening, although losing my little world is heartbreaking,” wrote Janice Ian, revealing that she has a scar on her vocal cords that may have been caused by strep throat.
Janice Ian has canceled all upcoming shows amid a devastating diagnosis.
The 71-year-old Grammy winner announced in a statement posted to Instagram on Thursday that he has a “complicated” form of laryngitis and told that scarring on his vocal cords meant he might “never sound like himself again.”
“It is with unexpected sadness that I announce the cancellation of all upcoming tour dates,” Ian began in his caption. According to Pitchfork, he had previously postponed a spring date for a farewell tour after suffering from strep throat earlier in the year.
“Unfortunately, laryngitis that forced several spring dates to be postponed turned out to be more complicated than simply treatable laryngitis,” he wrote Thursday.
“There is a mark on the vocal cords; Since it’s not due to polyps or improper singing, doctors can only speculate, but treatment options are minimal. Also it will be months before we know the results of any treatment.” It’s like I’ll never sound like myself again. I’m lucky that it’s not life-threatening, although in a small world, I lost it heartbreakingly. Please contact the refund office and thank you all for your support and love,” concluded Ian.
“I’m turning 71 this year and there are lots of reasons to quit,” he explained. “I want to spend time writing. And I want to spend time with my family. I want to do a few other things, so a full career doesn’t allow for any of that at the moment. I’ve been doing this for so long.”