They Got Me Through 7 Nights: Rod Stewart’s 24-Year Cancer Battle and the Secret Song That Sustained Him

Sir Rod Stewart, one of rock music’s most iconic voices, has opened up about his deeply personal 24-year journey battling cancer—and the secret song he wrote for his children that gave him strength during the darkest times. The legendary singer, known for his raspy voice and enduring hits, credits his family as the driving force behind his survival, poignantly saying, “They got me through 7 nights.”

The Beginning of a Long Battle

Stewart’s ordeal began in May 2000 when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. At 55, with a career spanning decades and over 120 million records sold, the diagnosis was life-altering. The tumor was located near his thyroid gland, threatening not just his life but his ability to sing—the very instrument that defined his career.

After successful surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, Stewart faced a difficult recovery. The operation severely affected his vocal cords, forcing him into months of intense vocal therapy. The possibility of permanent silence loomed large. During this challenging period of forced quiet, Stewart found solace in his family and his love for his eight children.

The Secret Song of Strength

Amid the uncertainty, Stewart secretly wrote a song for his children—a private musical project that symbolized his paternal love and hope. While the specific “secret song” tied to his words “They got me through 7 nights” remains a family treasure, it echoes the heartfelt sentiments of his well-known 1988 soft-rock ballad Forever Young.

Co-written with Jim Cregan and Kevin Savigar, Forever Young is a touching blessing to his children, expressing wishes for their safety, happiness, and return home. Stewart has called it a “real heartfelt song about my kids,” underscoring how deeply his family has influenced his artistry.

A Career Transformed by Challenge

Stewart’s 2000 health crisis marked a turning point in his artistic path. With his signature rasp compromised, he ventured into new musical territory, launching The Great American Songbook series—a collection of jazz and pop standards that showcased his crooning talents.

The first album in the series, It Had to Be You (2002), was a major success, reaching No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and selling millions worldwide. This unexpected second act established Stewart as a premier interpreter of classic standards.

Another Fight, Another Victory

Years later, Stewart faced a second cancer diagnosis—prostate cancer in 2016. He kept the diagnosis private for nearly three years before announcing his remission at a 2019 charity event. This experience inspired him to advocate for men’s health awareness, urging men over 50 to prioritize regular check-ups with his candid and memorable message: “Guys, you’ve got to really go to the doctor. Finger up the bum, no harm done.”

Family, Resilience, and Legacy

Rod Stewart’s long battle with cancer has revealed the man behind the music—a resilient figure whose love for his family provided the foundation for his survival and creativity. His secret song, whispered strength during lonely nights, and public openness about his health struggles highlight the enduring human spirit at the heart of his extraordinary career.