The social media team of Jo Dee Messina shared heartbreaking news this morning (Wed., Sept. 6) via Facebook and the artist's website. The '90s hit-maker was diagnosed with an unidentified form of cancer earlier this year. With treatments looming, all of Messina's tour dates scheduled beyond Oct. 7 will be postponed.
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The announcement shares more hope than sorrow, thanks to Messina's personal faith. "As many of you know, Jo Dee is a believer who feels blessed to be surrounded by the love of God -- a love that has brought her the inner peace," the statement says. "On her lowest of low days, she has been able to see God's hand at work and feel His love as she continues her walk. It is because of our Father's love that she has been able to find the beauty in the days that could have brought her the most fear, gratitude in moments that most would call unfair, and companionship during times she might feel the loneliest."
The announcement goes on to tease new music, including a song titled "Here," co-written with Mia Feldes and producer Seth Mosley. "It was one of the most powerful moments I've had in my entire studio career," said Mosley to Messina's team. "To see Jo Dee singing 'there's no pain, there's no fear, here' through the cancer and the chaos that she is walking through... God is going to use her and her story to intercept people in their pain and remind them that He is near."
Messina became an instant success with her 1996 debut single "Heads Carolina, Tails California." Her follow-up album I'm Alright included a staggering five top 10 hits. She remained a commercially viable star and recurring Tim McGraw collaborator into the 21st century.
