cancer

THE founding member of the legendary rock band Grateful Dead, Bob Weir, has died.

Weir was diagnosed with cancer in July 2025 which he overcame, however he sadly “succumbed to underlying lung issues”.

The veteran rocker was 78.

“He transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after courageously beating cancer as only Bobby could,” a heartfelt statement on his Instagram account read.

“Bobby will forever be a guiding force whose unique artistry reshaped American music.

“His work did more than fill rooms with music; it was warm sunlight that filled the soul, building a community, a language, and a feeling of family that generations of fans carry with them.

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“Every chord he played, every word he sang was an integral part of the stories he wove. There was an invitation: to feel, to question, to wander, and to belong.”

Across more than six decades, Weir was one of music’s true road warriors, performing thousands of shows with almost a dozen bands.

Weir received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, while his rhythm guitar skills helped guide legendary jam band through the decades.

Weir was born in 1947 in San Francisco and was adopted shortly after his birth by Frederic and Eleanor Weir.

Growing up in a comfortable and prominent Bay Area household, Weir discovered folk music in his youth after a nanny introduced him to jazz.

He started piano and trumpet before finding his calling with guitar at age 13.

He had a tough time in school – surviving spinal meningitis and dealing with severe dyslexia.

A chance encounter with Jerry Garcia at the age of 16 in a music store in Palo Alto would start one of the most important partnerships in music history.

Garcia was a bluegrass banjo player when Weir stumbled upon him at Dana Morgan’s Music Store.

The two formed Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions, which later became the Warlocks and eventually the Grateful Dead. 

The Grateful Dead quickly became a huge part of the counterculture movement, aligned with the rise of the hippie movement.

Weir penned some of the Dead’s most enduring songs, including “Jack Straw,” “Sugar Magnolia” and “Playing in the Band.”

The pair went on to become the faces of the Grateful Dead – Weir younger and more boyish than his hairier and older bandmates.

The youthful, ponytailed “Bobby” grew into an eclectic songwriter whose handsome appearance and diverse musical influences helped broaden the band’s appeal.

British newspaper The Independent called Weir “arguably rock’s greatest, if most eccentric, rhythm guitarist.”

Weir considered Garcia as a big brother.

“They say that blood is thicker than water, and what we had was way thicker than blood,” Weir said of Garcia and the Dead in an interview with journalist Dan Rather.

Sadly, Garcia passed away in 1995.

After Garcia’s death at age 53 in 1995, Weir carved out an interesting if somewhat neglected solo career – much of it with his band, RatDog – and participated in reunions of surviving Dead members in different configurations.

Weir released his first solo album, Ace, in 1972, followed by 1978’s Heaven Help the Fool. His last LP was the 2016 album Blue Mountain.

The legendary rocker married Natascha Münter in 1999. They share two daughters, Shala Monet and Chloe Kaelia.

Weir was a staunch vegetarian and an animal-rights advocate.

He was a board member of the Rex Foundation, an organisation founded by members of the Grateful Dead to “proactively provide extensive community support to creative endeavours in the arts, sciences, and education.”

Weir began treatment for cancer only weeks before returning to his hometown stage for a three-night celebration of 60 years of music at Golden Gate Park.

Former England striker and manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer.

Keegan had an illustrious playing career which included spells at Liverpool, Hamburg and Newcastle United, while he twice won the European Footballer of the Year award.

He moved into management after ending his playing career and had stints in charge of Newcastle United, Fulham, England and Manchester City.

“Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms,” the 74-year-old’s family said in a statement.

“These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.

“During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment.”

More to follow.

Emmerdale Producer Laura Shaw has revealed huge twists ahead this year including Victoria Sugden’s killer secret under threat, Cain Dingle’s diagnosis and the return of Graham Foster

There’s some huge storylines on the way in 2026 on Emmerdale, including a cancer diagnosis, a shocking return and secrets at risk of being exposed.

The ITV soap’s Producer Laura Shaw has revealed all the big moments ahead, following the explosive Corriedale crossover with Coronation Street. In this special episode we saw Cain Dingle face the news that doctors had found a mass during scans, while John Sugden was found dead.

Graham Foster made a surprise return from the dead too, while Tuesday’s episode and new spoilers teased more drama including Joe Tate recording Victoria Sugden killing John. On the way in the aftermath, Joe’s sickening plan becomes clear as he targets the Sugdens.

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Not only that, but the Dingle family are in for big turmoil as Cain is diagnosed with cancer. His wife Moira Dingle is arrested for human trafficking after being set up by Celia Daniels, who is now dead.

Teasing all the big moments ahead, Laura said: “The Dingle family are set to face huge repercussions and Cain is at the centre of a major prostate cancer storyline spanning across 2026. Adding to their devastation, Moira will be arrested for human trafficking, with her arrest timed to coincide with her husband’s diagnosis.

“Their complex marriage will be tested as they face dark times. The truth about John’s death will be revealed, as Victoria’s clever deception, making John’s death look like suicide, will unravel.

“Evil Joe Tate knows the truth and has damning video evidence which he plans to use to get what he wants from the Sugdens, potentially taking control of Butler’s Farm. Robert is also in the thick of it, trying to save Victoria by planting evidence.”

Could this lead to an exit for Victoria? Another murder secret will come to light too. Laura said: “Following the discovery of Ray’s body, villagers’ secrets will come out as the mystery surrounding Ray’s death is finally solved.

“Before the end of January, a special week will flash back to the night of the murder, revealing which of the multiple suspects is responsible for Ray’s demise. While Paddy is still out searching for his missing father, the bleak truth is that Bear has been killed by the villainous Celia.

“This emotional search and tragic discovery will bring Paddy’s mental health problems back to the forefront.” We also find out what really happened in 2020 when Graham Foster was killed off, or not.

Laura said: “A familiar face is returning to the village full-time! None other than Graham Foster will make a sensational comeback. His return will have massive repercussions for both Kim, with whom he shares a complex love and hate relationship, and Rhona, who was about to run away with him.

“Graham will explain exactly what happened six years ago when he was ‘killed’, but the question will be whether Joe can ever forgive his father-figure for allowing him to believe he was dead.” Finally, Charity Dingle prepares to give birth, and it seems her secret is finally exposed.

Laura shared: “The truth surrounding Charity’s pregnancy is set to blow wide open. Mackenzie mistakenly believes he could be the baby’s father, but the secret that Ross is the real father is still under wraps. With the baby due in spring, the birth may be the event that finally exposes all of Charity’s secrets…”

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok, Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.

A SOUTH Korean movie star, hailed “The Nation’s Actor” has died, following a years long battle with cancer.

Ahn Sung-ki, who began his career as a child star, was a heavyweight in the industry and spent six decades on South Korean screens.

His death was confirmed by his agency, Artist Company, and Seoul’s Soonchunhyang University Hospital, which said Ahn had been battling blood cancer.

Born to a filmmaker in the southeastern city of Daegu in 1952, Ahn made his debut as a child actor in the movie The Twilight Train in 1957.

He subsequently appeared in about 70 movies as a child actor before he left the film industry to live an ordinary life.

In 1970, Ahn entered Seouls Hankuk University of Foreign Studies as a Vietnamese major.

Ahn said he graduated with top honors but failed to land jobs at big companies, who likely saw his Vietnamese major largely useless after a communist victory in the Vietnam War in 1975.

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A BELOVED influencer, actor and Broadway star has died after a lengthy battle with a rare form of cancer.

Bret Hanna-Shuford, 46, passed away just days after posting a heartbreaking photo from his hospital bed of him smiling alongside his husband.

Dad-of-one Bret shared a positive Christmas Day picture where he tragically looked ahead to 2026 and said “hope to see you all soon”.

On Saturday, his partner Stephen Hanna confirmed the sad news that Bret had peacefully passed away.

Stephen said: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that early this morning we said goodbye to the most amazing man, husband and Papa in the universe.

“Bret Hanna-Shuford left this world peacefully with love surrounded by his family.

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“Our hearts are broken but we will continue to make him proud of us.”

He leaves behind his young three-year-old son, Maverick.

The actor, who had roles in the Wolf of Wall Street, Little Mermaid and Wicked, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer over the summer.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and T-Cell Lymphoma – both rare disorders – left Bret in and out of hospital in his final months.

Both cancers attack the body’s immune system with T-Cell Lymphoma being among the deadliest forms of the disease.

Bret and Stephen were best known for their ever-growing social media page which detailed their family life.

Broadway Husbands managed to amass over 255,000 followers at the time of Bret’s death.

The account would go on to update followers on Bret’s health in recent months.

In October, he revealed he spent three days unconscious in the ICU due to the disease attacking his immune system.

His illness also forced Bret to step away from his graduate studies at the University of Central Florida.

The couple had only just moved into their new home in Orlando at the time.

A GoFundMe was launched for the Broadway star in August.

As of Saturday evening, the page has raised over $315,000 of its $350,000 fundraising goal.

One of the final posts on the fundraiser from December 12, stated how Bret had been in hospital since Thanksgiving.

A post from a friend read: “As many of you may have noticed, posts have been rather radio silent from both Bret and Stephen.

“These past few weeks have been some of the toughest that they have faced in this cancer journey. Bret has been in the hospital since just before Thanksgiving.”

But Bret was believed to have been improving health wise.

“As of today, Bret is looking and feeling better. His liver enzymes have plateaued, which is good, and he is back in the right direction with his oxygen,” the post continued.

He also directed an episode of the Emmy Award-winning Hulu series Only Murders in the Building in 2023, according to his IMDb page.

Bret is also known for his acting and producing work on Disney Royals, Disney Animazent Trio IRL, and In Rehearsal with… Stranger Things the Musical.

He and Stephen, who works at Walt Disney World, tied the knot in April 2011.

TRISHA Goddard danced with joy as she celebrated reaching 68 years old amid her terminal cancer diagnosis.

The TV legend shared a deeply personal and positive message for fans as she marked the milestone while living with cancer.

The veteran broadcaster appeared overjoyed in the video, which she captioned: “If dem ask me how me feel turning 68 today & living with metastatic breast cancer.”

The Celebrity Big Brother star has secondary breast cancer, also referred to as metastatic or stage 4 breast cancer. 

She is also living with Raynaud’s syndrome, a condition that restricts blood flow to the fingers and toes.

Raynaud’s can develop as a side effect of certain cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, and may cause skin colour changes along with sensations such as numbness or burning.

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Despite her health challenges, Trisha was in celebratory spirits as she looked ahead to Christmas week.

In the clip, she smiled, danced and proudly declared: “I made it!”

Reflecting on her diagnosis, she said: “When you first hear those words,

“‘Your cancer has come back’ and every time you look at the news, your eye seems to be drawn to the words CANCER and TERMINAL, you think that’s it.”

She went on to explain how perspectives on the illness have shifted.

She said: “But scientists and the Medical world have re-classified metastatic cancer to being a LIFE LIMITING illness, for good reason.

“New drugs, new treatments, new medical breakthroughs.

“There’s a whole list of people I’d like to thank.”

Trisha then paid tribute to those who have supported her throughout her journey.

She added: “My darling husband and kids.

“My fantastic Oncology team and nurses, my darling friends who haven’t ghosted me, and YOU out there.

“Your kind words, laughter and encouragement means I celebrate you all!”

Trisha was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in 2023, having first got the disease in 2008.

She bravely opened up about the gruelling side effects of a “wonder drug” that she is taking to help prolong her life during her stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

I’ve stopped being scared before scans now.

“My cancer count has come down and down and down, this drug is working,

“But this new drug, that people hail as a wonder drug… what people don’t know, is it is one of the most vicious drugs to take.

Talking about the side affects she said: “(I get) Terrible constipation muscle aches, taste affected, eye sight affected.

“But if I hadn’t have had it, I wouldn’t be here, so it’s last call at the rodeo drug.”

Trisha was told three years ago her cancer had reached staged four.

However, she waited until last year to break the news of her terminal diagnosis.

Pat Finn, a veteran comedy actor known for playing the Heck family’s friendly neighbor Bill Norwood on “The Middle,” died Monday, reportedly following a three-year battle with cancer. He was 60.

“After a beautiful life filled with laughter, love, family, and friends, we share the heartbreaking news of the death of Pat Finn,” Finn’s family said in a statement to multiple outlets. Finn’s manager, Andrea Pett-Joseph, who described the actor as “the kindest, most joyful person in any room, told Deadline that he died surrounded by his family and friends. His death was first reported by TMZ.

Finn broke into show business in the 1990s, appearing in various sitcoms. His first major role was on “The George Wendt Show,” where he played Dan Coleman, the brother of Wendt’s character, George Coleman. He also had a recurring role on “Murphy Brown” as Phil Jr., the son of the original owner and bartender of Phil’s Bar (portrayed by Pat Corley) who took over the establishment in later seasons.

”Seinfeld” fans might remember Finn from his role as Joe Mayo in “The Reverse Peephole” episode. He also portrayed alternate-universe Monica’s boyfriend Dr. Roger in a couple of episodes of “Friends.” Finn’s credits also included roles on “The Drew Carey Show,” “3rd Rock From the Sun,” “That ’70s Show,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “2 Broke Girls” and “The Goldbergs.” His most recent credits included the films “Unexpected” (2023) and “Diamond in the Rough” (2022).

Born in Evanston, Ill., Finn attended Marquette University in the 1980s, where he met his future wife, Donna, and Chris Farley, with whom he became friends. After graduating, Finn, along with Farley, joined Chicago’s Second City to hone his comedy chops.

In a 2022 interview published on Phoenix.org, Finn said he’d always gravitated toward comedy.

“My mom and I watched ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ and ‘The Odd Couple,’” he said. “I really liked the idea of sitcoms. Growing up in Chicago, nobody said they wanted to be an actor. They wanted to be firefighters or in sales. … A career in comedy didn’t become a reality until I was picked up by The Second City and then the main stage.”

According to a statement provided to the New York Post, Finn was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022. Although he went into remission, the cancer later returned and metastasized.

A lifelong Bears fan, Finn “often showed the biggest signs when the Bears scored a touchdown” in his final days, the statement from the actor’s family said. “No pressure Bears — just saying — do it for Pat.”

Finn is survived by wife Donna and their three children, Cassidy, Caitlin and Ryan.

Former Nebraska U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, a conservative who rebuked political tribalism and stood out as a longtime critic of President Trump, announced Tuesday he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.

Sasse, 53, made the announcement on social media, saying he learned of the disease last week and is “now marching to the beat of a faster drummer.”

“This is a tough note to write, but since a bunch of you have started to suspect something, I’ll cut to the chase,” Sasse wrote. “Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and am gonna die.”

Sasse was first elected to the Senate in 2014. He comfortably won reelection in 2020 after fending off a pro-Trump primary challenger. Sasse drew the ire of GOP activists for his vocal criticism of Trump’s character and policies, including questioning his moral values and saying he cozied up to adversarial foreign leaders.

Sasse was one of seven Republican senators to vote to convict the former president of “ incitement of insurrection ” after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. After threats of a public censure back home, he extended his critique to party loyalists who blindly worship one man and rejected him for his refusal to bend the knee.

He resigned from the Senate in 2023 to serve as the 13th president of the University of Florida after a contentious approval process. He left that post the following year after his wife was diagnosed with epilepsy.

Sasse, who has degrees from Harvard, St. John’s College and Yale, worked as an assistant secretary of Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush. He served as president of Midland University, a small Christian university in eastern Nebraska, before he ran for the Senate.

Sasse and his wife have three children.

“I’m not going down without a fight. One sub-part of God’s grace is found in the jawdropping advances science has made the past few years in immunotherapy and more,” Sasse wrote. “Death and dying aren’t the same — the process of dying is still something to be lived.”

Barry Manilow has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will be postponing his January concerts.

“I’m very sorry that you have to change your plans,” the “Mandy” singer wrote in a statement posted to Instagram on Monday revealing his diagnosis. According to Manilow, his doctors had discovered “a cancerous spot” on his left lung that he will have surgically removed.

“As many of you know I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks,” Manilow wrote in the statement. “Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK.”

The “Copacabana (At the Copa)” singer said it was “pure luck” that the cancer was found early and that his doctors “do not believe it has spread.” He added that he is taking additional tests to confirm that diagnosis.

“[N]ow that the Christmas A Gift of Love concerts are over I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed,” Manilow continued in his statement. “So that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”

The January arena concerts have been rescheduled because recovery from the surgery will take a month, said the 82-year-old singer, whose hits also include “Could It Be Magic,” “I Write the Songs” and “Weekend in New England.” The new dates, starting in late February and continuing through April, were included in the Instagram post. Ticketholders for the canceled shows will be able to reschedule to the new dates.

Manilow also noted his next scheduled performances will be over Valentine’s Day weekend back at the Westgate Las Vegas, where he has a lifetime residency.

“Something tells me that February weekend is going to be one big party,” Manilow wrote, before wishing his fans “a wonderful Christmas and New Year.” “And remember, if you even have the slightest symptom… get tested!”

Facing the biggest challenge of his life, Sir Chris Hoy opens up about his journey with terminal cancer and how the mental strength he honed as a six-time Olympic cycling gold medallist is now helping him to inspire others.

Watch Sir Chris Hoy: Cancer, Courage & Me on Thursday, 18 December at 21:00 GMT on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website & app.

ACTRESS Angelina Jolie bravely bares her mastectomy scars in solidarity with other women battling cancer. 

The Oscar-winning star, 50, showed the effects of her life-saving operation, when she had both breasts removed 12 years ago, in a bold photoshoot. 

She told Time France magazine: “I share these scars with many women I love. And I’m always moved when I see others share theirs.” 

Posing on the cover of the December issue in a low-cut jumper, with her hand covering her chest, the mum of six said she hoped the move would help raise awareness of the disease. 

The star had both breasts removed and reconstructive surgery in 2013 after finding out she has the BRCA1 gene mutation, which meant her chances of getting cancer were high. 

Following her double mastectomy, Lara Croft star Jolie also had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed as a preventive measure. 

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She lost her mum, French actress Marcheline Bertrand, to ovarian cancer in 2007.  

Her grandmother and aunt also died from cancer. 

Jolie added: “Every woman should always be able to determine her own healthcare journey and have the information she needs to make informed choices. 

“Genetic testing and screening should be accessible and affordable for women with clear risk factors or a significant family history.”  

Jolie, who settled her eight-year divorce battle with ex Brad Pitt, 61, a year ago, is currently working on upcoming film Couture. 

In the fashion drama, she plays Maxine Walker, a US filmmaker diagnosed with breast cancer.