Brad Arnold, 3 Doors Down Singer, Dies At 47

LOS ANGELES, CA — The lead singer and founding member of the rock band, 3 Doors Down, Brad Arnold, died Saturday after a battle with cancer, the band said in a post to Facebook.

Arnold, who founded the band in 1996 in Mississippi, died peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his wife and family, his rep told Variety.

He wrote one of the band's best-known songs, “Kryptonite,” when he was only 15 years old, and later produced it, turning it into a chart-topper in 2000, the band said.

In May 2025, he announced on social media that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 renal cancer, the outlet reported.

In the band's tribute, they called Arnold's battle with cancer a "courageous" one.

Arnold helped "redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners."

They credited his talent for making hits like their breakout song, "Kryptonite," saying his songwriting "became a cultural touchstone for a generation."

"His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live long after the stages he performed on," the post read.

He was remembered for being a devoted husband to his wife, Jennifer, and for having "kindness, humor, and generosity that touched everyone who was fortunate enough to know him."

The band asked that his family's privacy be respected while they grieve.

"He will be deeply missed and forever remembered," the post ended.