Linda Perry reveals she had a double mastectomy after breast cancer diagnosis which would have only given her months to live: ‘I feel so lucky’
Rock legend Linda Perry has revealed she underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, which would have given her only months to a few years to live.
The 59-year-old former 4 Non Blondes frontwoman β who premiered her documentary Linda Perry: Let It Die here last week β opened up about her secret health battle with People on Wednesday.
She said: ‘I feel so lucky because there are so many women who don’t get that opportunity.’
The What’s Up hitmaker revealed in her aforementioned documentary that she had realized she had cancer while preparing for an elective breast reduction.
Perry explained, βMy doctor actually said the cancer I had was the kind of cancer she finds in people who have six months to maybe two years to live.
Rock legend Linda Perry has revealed she underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, leaving her with months to a few years to live
“And I would never have found it, and I would never have done anything about it when I started feeling bad, because I would have thought it was because of my mother and the stressful situation I was in.”
Last week, the hitmaker attended the premiere of the new documentary about her life, Linda Perry: Let It Die Here, at the 2024 Tribeca Festival in New York City with her son on Thursday.
The songwriter showed off her signature style as she posed with her nine-year-old son Rhodes Gilbert Perry β whom she shares with ex-wife Sara Gilbert β on the red carpet.
The musician wore her signature black wide-brimmed hat, along with a leather jacket, gray T-shirt and matching black pants.
Perry is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer who has created hits for superstars such as Adele, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus and Celine Dion. She first rose to fame with her hit ‘What’s Up’ with her band 4 Non Blondes in 1993.
The documentary, directed by Don Hardy, provides an intimate look at Perry’s life and illustrious career.
Perry attended the premiere of the new documentary about her life, Linda Perry: Let It Die Here, with her son, nine, at the 2024 Tribeca Festival in New York City on Thursday
Layered gold chains adorned her neck at the event, while suspenders peeked out from under her jacket.
She added height to her frame with black heeled platform boots.
The star accentuated her eyes with a dramatic smokey eyeshadow look for the occasion.
Meanwhile, Rhodes showed off his own unique style, wearing a long shirt with a cross motif, black gloves and leggings and sparkling black boots.
Perry shares joint legal custody of Rhodes with her ex, The Conners star Sara, 49.
The couple finalized their divorce and custody agreement in 2021, almost two years after ending their six-year marriage.
Gilbert filed for divorce from Perry in December 2019, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split.
They met in 2011 and married in 2014, after Perry proposed in 2013.
The songwriter showed off her signature style as she posed with her son, Rhodes Gilbert Perry, on the red carpet
Perry shares her son with her ex, The Conners star Sara Gilbert, 49. Gilbert filed for divorce from Perry in December 2019, citing “irreconcilable differences”
The musician wore her signature black wide-brimmed hat, along with a leather jacket, gray T-shirt and matching black pants
Layered gold chains adorned her neck at the event, while suspenders peeked out from under her jacket
Rhodes showed off his own unique style, wearing a long shirt with a cross motif, black gloves and leggings and sparkling black boots
Also in attendance was Stella Rose Gahan, 24, who put on a leggy display in a black dress with a sizzling side slit that went all the way to her midriff
Stella’s famous dad Dave Gahan, 62 β the lead singer of Depeche Mode β was also in attendance
Linda and her son Rhodes performed at the big premiere in New York
As she attached the microphone, her son sang along
The rocker showed off her guitar skills at one point in the set
She encouraged the audience to sing along
Also in attendance was Stella Rose Gahan, 24, who put on a leggy display in a black dress with a sizzling side slit that went all the way to her midriff.
Her platinum blonde locks were styled into a pixie cut.
Her famous dad Dave Gahan, 62 β the lead singer of Depeche Mode β was also in attendance.
Dave wore a white windbreaker over a black T-shirt and rose-colored glasses.
According to the announcement for the documentary, the film is “an intimate look at a vulnerable and courageous woman as she navigates life-changing personal circumstances amid nagging career decisions.”
Linda’s past and present collide as she tries to answer the big questions she can no longer avoid: Who am I? Am I loved? What is my goal? What shall I leave behind?’
βWhen I first watched this documentary, I was proud of how revealing it is, and a little scared,β Perry said of the film. Variety.
βIt gave me some clarity because I could detach from the character on screen and feel empathy for her. As much as I love being creative, I have to admit that it can be incredibly taxing at times.’
The Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer, who created hits for superstars like Adele, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Dolly Parton and more, also posed for portraits at the festival
Directed by Don Hardy, the film provides an intimate look at Perry’s life and illustrious career. There is no information on when the documentary will be available to a wider audience
“I don’t know how to make music without involving my deepest emotions, and doing that can make me feel raw, exposed, and vulnerable.”
‘But that’s the trade-off. In a sense, all artists β who at least do it honestly β sacrifice themselves to their art. This is what ‘Let It Die Here’ is about.β
The documentary features interviews with Perry’s colleagues, family and friends, along with new performance and recording footage.
There is no information on when the documentary will be available to a wider audience.