Lyme disease doesn’t discriminate. It has affected everyday individuals and celebrities alike—including several high-profile singers. These artists have shared their personal health battles publicly, helping to raise awareness about the seriousness of Lyme disease and the importance of early detection and proper treatment.

Here’s a closer look at five singers who have faced Lyme disease head-on—and how it changed their lives.

Avril Lavigne: Bedridden and Fighting for Recovery

Well-known singer Avril Lavigne’s battle with Lyme disease began in 2014, after months of unexplained flu-like symptoms and fatigue. At first, she didn’t know what was wrong. She saw multiple doctors and underwent numerous tests, but her condition continued to worsen until she was completely bedridden.

At the height of her illness, Avril was so weak she could barely move, walk, or speak. She described feeling like she was “underwater, drowning,” and she struggled to find physicians who understood the complexity of her symptoms.

The experience led to a multi-year hiatus from music, during which Avril focused on recovery and advocacy. In 2019, she released Head Above Water, an album inspired by her fight with Lyme disease. Through her foundation, she’s since become a leading voice in Lyme disease awareness, using her platform to support early diagnosis and better treatment access for others.

Daryl Hall: A Long Battle with Chronic Lyme

As one-half of the legendary duo Hall & Oates, Daryl Hall has been a staple in the music world for decades. But behind the scenes, the singer has endured a long, difficult battle with chronic Lyme disease.

Daryl has spoken candidly about years of unexplained symptoms—ranging from persistent fatigue and brain fog to neurological issues—that affected his ability to tour and perform. For a long time, he didn’t receive proper treatment and was left navigating the illness largely on his own.

Eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease, Daryl has used interviews and performances as opportunities to speak out about the long-term effects of the condition. He’s also been vocal about his frustration with how the medical system often overlooks or dismisses chronic Lyme, leaving many patients undiagnosed or misunderstood.

His willingness to speak openly has helped give a voice to others living with the same struggle.

Justin Bieber: Publicly Sharing His Diagnosis

In 2020, Justin Bieber shocked many fans when he revealed that he had been silently battling Lyme disease for years. For a long time, his mysterious symptoms—fatigue, brain fog, skin problems, and an overall decline in health—had been misunderstood or misdiagnosed.

His symptoms became so debilitating that he had to take a break from touring and public appearances. In addition to Lyme disease, Justin was also diagnosed with chronic Epstein-Barr virus, which further complicated his recovery and contributed to his feelings of exhaustion and depression.

After beginning treatment, Justin gradually returned to music and used his platform to share his experience. By going public, he helped reduce the stigma around Lyme disease and encouraged fans and followers to take persistent, unexplained symptoms seriously.

Kris Kristofferson: Misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s

Country singer Kris Kristofferson faced one of the most alarming misdiagnoses possible: doctors believed for years that he had Alzheimer’s disease. He had been struggling with severe memory loss, confusion, and cognitive decline, and was told his symptoms were consistent with early dementia.

But the true cause turned out to be Lyme disease.

Once the correct diagnosis was made and treatment began, Kris experienced a dramatic improvement in his cognitive function. The fog that had clouded his thinking began to lift, and he regained much of the clarity and energy he thought he had lost forever.

Kris’s case highlights a critical issue with Lyme disease: it can mimic many other conditions, including neurological disorders. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of considering Lyme disease in the differential diagnosis—especially when symptoms don’t quite add up.

Shania Twain: Overcoming Vocal Cord Damage

Shania Twain, one of the best-selling female country singers of all time, was diagnosed with Lyme disease in the early 2000s after being bitten by a tick while on tour. At first, she experienced troubling symptoms, including dizziness and blackouts. But the most devastating impact was on her voice.

Shania developed dysphonia—a disorder that causes the vocal cords to spasm and lose control. Over time, her once-powerful voice deteriorated to the point where she couldn’t perform. She stepped away from music for several years and underwent extensive therapy, including open-throat surgery, in an effort to restore her vocal strength.

Despite lasting changes to her voice, Shania eventually made a remarkable comeback. She returned to recording and live performances, proving that even after a long and difficult journey, recovery and reinvention are possible.

The Takeaway

These artists remind us that Lyme disease can affect anyone, regardless of fame, lifestyle, or access to resources. Each of their stories sheds light on the wide range of symptoms and complications Lyme can cause—from neurological damage and misdiagnosis to vocal loss and complete physical exhaustion.

What they also share is a common thread of resilience. Their willingness to share their journeys has helped bring attention to the complexities of Lyme disease, including the need for better diagnostic tools, greater awareness, and more compassionate care.

Most importantly, they remind others that healing is possible—and that Lyme disease, while life-altering, doesn’t have to be the end of the road.