Grammy-nominated R&B singer announces leukemia diagnosis: ‘Really puts things in perspective’

Digital Editor

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Nivea revealed she’s battling leukemia.

The 44-year-old made the announcement this week during an appearance on the “Cadillac Chronicles” interview series when asked what she is thankful for.

“I was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this year,” she said. “And I’m so grateful to God. I’ve been going through treatment and everything is going great so far, and I expect it to continue.”

Above video | Treatment offers changes for blood cancers

Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow, where abnormal white blood cells grow uncontrollably and interfere with the body’s ability to fight infection, carry oxygen and stop bleeding.

“I’m very grateful for life. It’s so cliche to say, but you don’t know the time or the hour. But it’s true. It’s helped me put a lot of things in perspective. I live in gratitude. And I’m just grateful for everything. I’m doing things I want to do. I’m definitely back into my music. I’m going to school for audio engineering. I’ve always wanted to learn how to engineer and mix engineer in particular. But in general, just doing all the things, honey. Loving on my children and just being grateful.”

Nivea is an American R&B singer and songwriter who rose to prominence in the early 2000s with a string of hit singles.

She is best known for songs including “Don’t Mess With My Man,” featuring Brian and Brandon Casey of Jagged Edge, “Laundromat” and “Okay,” featuring Lil Jon and YoungBloodZ.

She released her self-titled debut album in 2001 and earned a Grammy Award nomination for “Don’t Mess With My Man.”