I couldn’t be more of a “Yankee” if I tried, but despite my geographical location, I’ve always had a soft spot for Southern-style music. Truthfully, it started in high school thanks to none other than Lynyrd Skynyrd. I remember when my best friend first got her license—she, our other BFF, and I were on our way to the movies, driving down some bumpy back roads when “Sweet Home Alabama” came on. We turned it all the way up and scream-sang it the entire way there.
Because of them, I discovered other beloved names in the genre, like swamp-rock icons Creedence Clearwater Revival and the ever-fun 38 Special.
Related: Prayers Pouring In as Lynyrd Skynyrd Frontman Shares Daughter’s Rare Brain Disorder Battle
So I was beyond saddened to hear that Donnie Van Zant, guitarist, vocalist, and founding member of 38 Special, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Usually a private person, the artist—who now focuses on gospel music—used his brother Johnny Van Zant’s social media page to share the news.
@johnnyrvanzantbandHey Y’all, I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the prayers that have lifted me up over the past couple of weeks! They have truly been a blessing. I also wanted to take a moment to update everyone on my recent journey, as I know Johnny has been asking for prayers on my behalf and many of you have been seeking answers. As someone who typically keeps a low profile, sharing this with all of you was a bit of a challenge for me, but I believe that by being open and honest, I can help spread awareness about the importance of pre-screening and potentially make a positive impact on others. So, I want to wish you all a wonderful Sunday and I look forward to catching up with you soon. Remember to #alwayslookup because #heisthere #lynyrdskynyrd
♬ original sound - Johnny Roy Van Zant"I'm gonna leave this in God's hands, folks. I'm not gonna worry about it. What I’ve got right now is prostate cancer, and I have 45 treatments of radiation that I have to go through — five days a week," he revealed after his brother asked fans to keep him in their prayers.
Fans immediately flooded the comments with words of encouragement. "You look good, Donnie! Stay strong—I know you will never stop fighting. We’re out here pulling for you and fighting right along with you, brother," wrote one fan. "Get better Donnie, God bless you," added another. "Just know your brother Ronnie is watching over you—you’ve got a good guardian angel watching over you," said a third.
Donnie and his brother Johnny currently perform together in the Van Zant Band, a Southern Christian rock project. Their eldest brother, Ronnie, was the founding lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd before his passing in 1977. Johnny later stepped into the role when the band reunited a decade later.
Related: Inside the Breakup That Ended One of Rock’s Greatest Bands
In his message, Donnie also urged men to take their health seriously and get checked.
"Right now, I’d like to talk to all the guys out there. Ladies, I know y’all go through a lot, and I can’t even imagine how much. But for the guys 40 years old and older, I want you to do me a favor: when you go to your family doctor, ask for a prescription for a PSA — that’s a test on your prostate. It doesn’t take anything; it’s a simple blood test. You send it off, and you’ll have a number — a baseline to check your prostate year after year. Do that. It can save you a bunch of trouble, and I don’t want this to happen to you," he stated.
Van Zant released an album in 2024 titled Always Look Up. His band 38 Special remains best known for hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” and “If I’d Been the One.”
The musician also noted that he wasn’t "much of a talker" but promised to hop onto his brother’s page to keep fans updated. "I want to thank you for your prayers and your best wishes," he said. "I know I’m gonna get through this — it ain’t gonna be a big problem for me, you know?"
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