Although each of us experiences the death of a loved one in a unique way, there is one thing that unites all of our grieving experiences: grief is never simple.
It takes time to process and deal with the loss of a loved one or close friend; occasionally, we simply never regain the identity we had before their departure.
Consider Rod Stewart, the renowned singer, who recently announced the passing of his brother Bob, just a few months after the dying of another brother Don.
Rod Stewart shared the sad news on Instagram on November 30 of last year and noted that Bob had passed away the previous evening.
The Young Turks singer continued by expressing his wish that Bob and Don, who died just months apart, were enjoying a game of football together in the hereafter.
In a devastating statement, the iconic British rock and pop artist said that the two deaths had left him without his two closest friends.
“It’s with great sadness that I announce the loss of my brother Bob last night, who joins my brother Don on the great football pitch in the sky.”
“I’ve lost two of my best mates in the space of two months. RIP Don and Bob ‘irreplaceable buddies’ Sir Rod Stewart.”
After the loss of his older brother Don in September 2022, Rod published a similar post with a picture of a crown on a dark background. Don passed away at age 94.
Rod went to a party in January 2019 to honor his sister Mary Cady’s 90th birthday. He paid tribute to her and the now-deceased Don there, praising them for their vital assistance on his path to success.
“I’ve got to tell you, these individuals were crucial in supporting me, helping me get into music, and just being there for me,” he stated at the time.
Overall, Rod had four siblings growing up, but as of late, with Bob’s passing, just Mary is left. Stewart detailed his life story in “Rod: The Autobiography”
As for his relationship with his sister and brothers, he the Scottish-born star said: “These guys have just been [expletive] brilliant throughout my life.”
Rod Stewart, who is now 78 years old, is still on the road and will soon visit Florida to perform. Considering how much he has always appreciated his brothers’ assistance, Rod will have a difficult year in 2023.
He continued, “I’ve got to tell you, these individuals were crucial in helping me get into music, encourage me, and just be there for me.”
“Whether it was football or washing my dirty underpants, I can’t speak highly enough about these guys.”
Rod himself has also struggled with health issues multiple times. He was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2000, and the disease almost ruined the voice that turned him into a worldwide star.
”It was a terrible shock. I mean, I just went into total silence for a few days,” Rod mentioned.
He underwent surgery and pulled through, but the cancer battle would affect his life in many ways. For example, he had to re-learn how to sing.
“No chemotherapy was required – which, in turn, meant there was no risk that I’d lose my hair,” he later wrote in his autobiography:
“And let’s face it: if we’re ranking threats to the survival of my career, losing my hair would be second only to losing my voice.”
In 2019, the legendary rock star once again shocked his fans when he shared that he’d been battling prostate cancer – in secret. Rod learned he had the disease in February 2016 during a routine checkup.
The singer decided to speak up at a fundraising event for the Prostate Project and European Tour Foundation in Surrey, England.
“No one knows this, but I thought this was about time I told everybody,” Stewart said, “I’m in the clear, now, simply because I caught it early. I have so many tests.”
Fortunately, the singer reportedly received the all-clear the same year.
In addition to sharing his news, he encouraged others to get checked for the fourth most common cancer “Guys, you’ve got to really go to the doctor. Finger up the bum, no harm done.”
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