Dan Fogelberg Passes Away, Leaves Letter to Fans

Music legend Dan Fogelberg has lost his battle with prostate cancer. The famed singer passed away at his home in Maine at just 56 years old.

The Grammy-nominated artist, who sold more than 15 million records, was diagnosed with an advanced case of prostate cancer in 2004. Just a few months later, the cancer had already spread to his bones. He died Sunday, his wife of five years, Jean, at his side.

Today, “Extra” has the message Dan left behind for every man.

On his website , Dan writes:

“To each and every man....

“I cannot encourage you strongly enough to get a DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) and a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test EVERY YEAR.

“The medical community suggests this for men over 50, but men with a family history of prostate cancer should start getting tested at age 40.

“The PSA test is a simple blood test...it only takes a minute or two. The DRE, okay, every man squirms at the thought of this exam, but hey, it too takes only a minute or two, and IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE.

“Prostate cancer can be very slow growing or very aggressive, but detected early while it is still confined to the prostate gland, it can usually be treated and cured successfully.

“Once it spreads beyond the prostate it is called Advanced Prostate Cancer (PCa). At this point it becomes imminently more life threatening and harder to treat. Do yourself and your loved ones a huge favor and GET CHECKED REGULARLY. I promise you, you DON’T want to go through what I’m going through if you can avoid it.

“Education and awareness are key, I urge you to follow the link below to the Prostate Cancer Foundation web site and read up on how best to protect yourself and reduce your likelihood of contracting this terrible disease.”

Good wishes, prayers, and condolences can be posted here .

comments

pequena voz gran poeta que toca el corazon y que muchos cantantes quisieran tener esa fuerza interpretativa y esa coviccion. Dan mejoro mi vida en mis anos jovenes cuando yo vivia en Cuba, en la condiciones que vivia..Ahora vivo en Francia y aun Dan me conmueve.

onil hernandez
May 21, 2008

My husband took me to my first concert who just happened to be Dan he was in his early twenties i didn’t know who he was at that time but loved his music from then on. My husband idolized him and has every album he ever made. my son got married in Sept and dedicated “The Leader of The Band” to his father it was so touching that everyone there was crying. Our hearts go out to his family he was a great singer and song writer there will never be anyone like him

shirley Passaro
December 26, 2007

On this Christmas Evening, I send prayers to Dan’s wife Jean, and his family. I hope they find some comfort in their memories of Dan. He was a brilliant artist, who touched my heart. His music will live on forever…

As I am writing this, his Christmas CD is on in the background. I know he is with the Angels singing on this most special night.

His last concert will stay with me, and I will remember the big smile he had when he thanked us all for coming out.
Thank you Dan, for the gift of your music.

Cathy~
December 25, 2007

There are not many chosen ones, Dan was one of the few. God gave him a job to do. Dan was a humble man and true to his beliefs. He never faltered in his mission. His music was sheer perfection. He loved classical music and wanted to do a classical CD, a big loss to us fans that he didn’t have time left to do it, and so many more. Thank God he was able to record so many masterpieces for future generations, for his music will live on for a very long time. I will miss him for the rest of my life. God bless you Dan.

Carol
December 24, 2007

I can recall various stages of my own life through Dan’s music. He wrote so many poignant songs. My favorite is “Faces of America” which still has relevance today. It’s a testament to the timeless nature of his work. I, along with many others, are deeply saddened by his passing. May he rest in peace - he will live on through his music.

Jason
December 18, 2007

Dear Family of Dan Fogelberg’s,
Prayers to you in your loss, I will always cherish the Neitherlands album,that music was such a wonderful confort to me as a young teen and still is.Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord.I look forward to meeting him in heaven to thank him.

julia Murphy
December 18, 2007

Dan Fogelberg is a wonderful singer. He will be missed. My favorite song by the artist is “Leader of the Band.” I heard that song in 1982. It was a very beautiful song. As long as I hear that song, his memory will live on.

George Jobson
December 18, 2007

I am married to a wonderful man who was diagnosed with Advanced Prostate Cancer in 2003, as Dan has said, PLEASE GET TESTED FOR THIS DISEASE!!!!!!!! It is so important!!! My husband is now 58 and is still doing well, although it is a constant in our lives we take it a day at a time and with God’s love we will have many years ahead of us. PLEASE GET CHECKED!!!!!

Pat
December 18, 2007

MY VERY FIRST ALBUM BACK IN THE 70’S WAS DANS…I STILL PLAY HIS MUSIC TODAY..HE IS SUCH AN AWESOME MUSICIAN..I FEEL I HAVE LOST A GOOD FRIEND AND AM DEEPLY SADDENED BY HIS DEATH…

SUSIE T.
December 18, 2007

VERY SAD DAY FOR MUSIC.DAN WAS THE CURRENT,MODERN DAY MOZART, BEETHOVEN,HANDEL. HE NOT ONLY WROTE 95% OF HIS MUSIC, HE PRODUCED ,DIRECTED, AND PLAYED ALL THE INSTRUMENTS.I GUESS HE PLAYED AT LEAST 14 INSTRUMENTS ON A PROFFESIONAL LEVEL. OF COURSE , HE WAS VOTED BEST GUITAR PLAYER IN THE WORLD AT LEAST 10 TIMES.WHEN HE AND AMY GRANT HOSTED THE 1984 WINTER OLYMPICS HE WAS A TOTAL HOUSEHOLD NAME AND ON TOP OF THE GAME.FROM THERE HE CONTINUED TO DEFINE”ADULT ROMANCE” MUSIC FOR LOVERS EVERYWHERE. HIS FOOTPRINTS IN THE SANDS OF LOVE WILL FOREVER WITHSTAND THE TIDE,FOR ALL TO FOLLOW.

Rick Beckner
December 18, 2007

I fell in love with Dans work back in the 70s. I have many of his albums & was fortunate to see him in concert in 1987. He was alone onstage & played acoustic sets…Wonderful. The message in his music was powerful. My husband has had prostate surgery, thank God it was caught early with the help of PSA testing & DREs. God bless his family as they deal with the loss of a son, brother, husband, friend.

deb
December 18, 2007

I’ve posted elsewhere since hearing. Dan was an incredible songwriter. For those who read, wondering who this guy was or who think ‘oh, the guy who sang Longer or Run for the Roses…go check out his other music. Go listen to ‘To the Morning’, Ghosts, Forefathers, Sweet Magnolia…I could name all the songs, but he didn’t just do a couple verses and chorus, he wrote epic ballads. My favorite songs were the ones which told a story. I’m sad there will be no more new music, but glad his pain is gone.

Melinda
December 18, 2007

Dan’s music was wonderful, It got me through alot of difficult times in my life. My heart goes out to his family and I will surely pass on his message.

Traci
December 17, 2007

His music was wonderful. The song “Longer Than” was my wedding song. I am really sad about this - and my heart goes out to his wife and family. Peace to you in this difficult time.

Allison
December 17, 2007

I am in deep sorrow over Dan Fogelberg’s death and the horrible illness he and his family must have gone through. He helped put me in a special heartwarming mood whenever I heard him sing. Especially in the 70’s and 80’s. I was just talking about him last week when my boyfriend and I were reminiscing about the “good old music” Dan was certainly one of the best musicians I have had the good fortune to become famliar with. I hope to see and hear you in heaven! God Bless to his family and loved ones! I will miss you!

Diane
December 17, 2007
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