Bob Marley may have passed away over 40 years ago, but his message of love continues to resonate with fans around the world. The legendary Jamaican singer was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer in 1977, but he didn’t let that stop him from pursuing his passion for music. Unfortunately, the cancer eventually took its toll on his health, and Marley passed away at the age of 36 in 1981.
Marley’s cancer initially started as acral lentiginous melanoma, a form of skin cancer that spread throughout his body over several years. He first discovered the lesion under the big toe on his right foot in July 1977. Initially, he thought it was a soccer injury, but a biopsy revealed that it was cancerous. The doctor recommended amputating the toe, but Marley chose a less invasive option, removing the nail and some of the affected tissue for a skin graft.
Despite his diagnosis, Marley continued to perform and tour, releasing new music along the way. However, by September 1980, his condition had worsened. After collapsing during exercise in Central Park, Marley was taken to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where doctors discovered that the cancer had spread to his brain, lungs, and other organs. Given just a few months to live, Marley made the decision to play his final concert in Pittsburgh before canceling the rest of his tour.
In search of alternative treatments, Marley underwent chemotherapy but didn’t see any significant improvement. It was then that his road manager, Allan Cole, discovered a controversial German doctor named Dr. Josef Issels, who specialized in holistic and diet-based care. Marley traveled to Germany to receive treatment at Issels’ clinic, but his health continued to deteriorate. In May 1981, he made the difficult decision to stop treatment altogether.
Marley passed away on May 11, 1981, at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami. He was only 36 years old at the time of his death. Although his time on Earth was cut short, Marley’s impact on the world of music and his message of unity and love remains unparalleled.
Marley’s legacy lives on through his children, who continue to keep his music alive. Ziggy Marley, his eldest son, writes that his father’s songs are always playing, and he sees a little bit of his father in his own children from time to time. Marley’s influence extended far beyond his music. In 1994, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he received numerous other posthumous honors for his contributions to music and culture.
Bob Marley’s untimely death may have been a tragedy, but his spirit continues to inspire and uplift people around the world. His music serves as a reminder of the power of love and unity, and his legacy will forever be cherished.
