Jon Batiste has made a shocking move amid turbulent personal life.
On Wednesday, August 12, PEOPLE reported that the I Need You crooner abruptly axed several of his upcoming concerts citing “personal circumstances” amid his wife Suleika Jaouad’s incurable cancer battle.
The 39-year-old American singer and musician was scheduled to perform three shows in the US this week – all of whom have now been cancelled.
He was set to perform at the New Haven Westville Music Bowl on Thursday, August 13, the TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann in Philadelphia on Friday, August 14 and Forest Hills Stadium in New York on Saturday, August 15.
In a statement shared by the Westville Music Bowl and TD Pavilion, the It’s All Right hitmaker stated, “As I navigate some personal circumstances, I unfortunately need to cancel a portion of my upcoming performance dates…”
“As we continue to rollout and release of my new albums, Monk Meditations and Monk Movements, my team and I are finding new ways and opportunities to share live music with you. There’s much more to come, and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead,” he continued.
The statement went on to note that all the refunds would be available “through the original point of purchase,” with Batiste expressing gratitude to fans for their patience and support.
“Thank you for your understanding and continued support. I truly can’t wait to come back and perform for you soon,” he stated, concluding the message.
Jon Batiste wife’s cancer battle
Jon Batiste’s shocking decision to call off the concerts comes amid his wife, Suleika Jaouad’s ongoing cancer battle.
Jaouad, who is a bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning journalist, is currently battling acute myeloid leukemia – “a rare cancer that affects your bone marrow and blood. It’s an aggressive cancer that, left untreated, may be life-threatening,” as per Clevelandclinic.
The Life, Interrupted author was first diagnosed with the disease at the age of 22. She went into remission, but the cancer returned in 2021, requiring another bone marrow transplant.
In 2024, Jaouad was once again diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, for which she underwent further treatment.
However, a May 2026 profile reported that she is expected to remain in treatment for the rest of her life as her cancer is not considered “incurable.”
