Wednesday, May 4th 2011

News:  The Decemberists

Jenny Conlee, Decemberists Keyboardist, Diagnosed With Breast Cancer

By Johnny Firecloud

This morning brings the sad news that Decemberists keyboardist Jenny Conlee has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is currently undergoing treatment, which we’re told should result in a full recovery.

Conlee’s diagnosis will result in her missing the Portland band’s upcoming shows in order to undergo treatment. The band has decided to soldier on with their currently scheduled tour dates while Conlee stays at home to fight and recover.

“The good news is that Jenny caught it early,” lead singer Colin Meloy writes on the Decemberists’ official site. “And while the prognosis is very, very good for a full recovery, tackling the disease will mean some intensive treatment for our Jenny as well as a lot of important recovery time.”

Conlee also wrote from the Decemberists’ website, “To be making music with everyone and seeing the fans has helped me to feel more positive and keep my mind off of my diagnosis. But, alas, as the tour winds down, it is time for me to get back to reality. I will try to get into surgery as soon as I can after we return from this leg of the tour so I can begin my recovery. There are still a few unknowns out there concerning my cancer, but I am thinking positive and hope to be back on the road soon. Thanks for all of your support!”

The Decemberists currently have nine shows planned during May and June and have not yet announced a temporary replacement for Conlee. As Meloy writes in the statement, “If you or anyone in your world has been handed a similar diagnosis, you know how out-of-the-blue this news can be.”

We wish Conlee a fast and full recovery.