Jon Bon Jovi, the American singer-songwriter and guitarist, revealed that a discussion with his wife prompted him to confront his vocal cord problems, according to People magazine.
After enduring years of silent struggle, the 62-year-old Bon Jovi frontman candidly discussed his strained voice, detailing the toll it exacted on him, in the docuseries, ‘Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story’.
The revered rock icon had grappled with challenges for at least seven years before embarking on the band’s latest tour in 2022. During an arena performance in Nashville, “I gave my heart to that crowd,” he said. “I thought it went well.”
However, his wife Dorothea, aged 61, whom he married in 1989, offered him some tough love, remarking, “It wasn’t great, and I’ve seen you be great.”
The conversation was “beyond heartbreaking, it was devastating,” he added, “but there’s no one better than her to tell me the truth.”
Bon Jovi shared, “If it were going to be over, I just had to wrap my arms around that and say, ‘I’ve had an incredible career. It doesn’t mean I can’t write you a song tomorrow, just means I won’t be doing a hundred-show tour.”
Bon Jovi then confronted the reality: either seek assistance or retire. He expressed, “I went to the doctor and said, ‘I’ve done everything I know how to do.'”
During the summer of 2022, he had surgery on his vocal folds to correct loose vocal cords that were affecting his singing, as reported by People magazine. Nearly two years later, Bon Jovi continues to collaborate with vocal coaches and engage in daily voice exercises. He emphasized, “Every day is the recovery process.”
After unveiling their latest single “Legendary,” the band is set to release their 16th album, Forever, in June. Despite undergoing surgery, Bon Jovi’s vocals on the album may possess a smokier and huskier quality, but they undeniably retain his signature sound. As for future tours with the band, People magazine reports that the possibility remains uncertain.