Sara Evans Mourns Loss Of Friend After Cancer Battle, He'll 'Be So Missed'

Sara Evans shared a tribute to her late friend, Brad Arnold, who died on Saturday (February 7) after a battle with cancer. He was 47.

Arnold, the lead singer and co-founder of 3 Doors Down, performed and wrote music with the award-winning country star. Evans shared a clip of herself and the band performing their early 2000s single, “Here Without You,” on Instagram on Monday (February 9). Evans wrote in her caption and on her Instagram story: “I’m so sad at the loss of my friend Brad. We sang together several times and wrote together! What an awesome human and incredible talent! He will be so missed. RIP. 🩷🩷🩷”

Arnold founded 3 Doors Down with Matt Roberts and Todd Harrell in the 1990s. The band became known for “Here Without You,” “Kryptonite,” “When I’m Gone” and other hits throughout their career. Arnold received a diagnosis with Stage 4 kidney cancer in May 2025. The band shared a statement on Saturday to confirm that Arnold “passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones [including his wife, Jennifer], in his sleep after his courageous battle with cancer.

“As a founding member, vocalist, and original drummer of 3 Doors Down, Brad helped redefine mainstream rock music, blending post-grunge accessibility with emotionally direct songwriting and lyrical themes that resonated with everyday listeners,” the statement continued. “Brad's songwriting became a cultural touchstone for a generation, producing some of the most enduring hits of the 2000s, including the band's breakout hit, ‘Kryptonite,’ which he wrote in his math class when he was just 15 years old. His music reverberated far beyond the stage, creating moments of connection, joy, faith, and shared experiences that will live on long after the stages he performed on.

“Above all, he was a devoted husband to Jennifer, and his kindness, humor, and generosity touched everyone fortunate enough to know him,” the statement continued. “Those closest to him will remember not only his talent, but his warmth, humility, faith, and deep love for his family and friends. the family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and kindly asks that their privacy be respected. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”