Stand-up comic, actress and hellraiser Kathy Griffin has made a stunning announcement this morning: she has lung cancer.
“I’ve got to tell you guys something,” she posted to Instagram. “I have cancer. I’m about to go into surgery to have half my left lung removed.”
“Yes, I have lung cancer even though I never smoked,” she continued. “The doctors are very optimistic as it is stage one and confined to my left lung. Hopefully no chemo or radiation after this and I should have normal function with my breathing.”
Related: Kathy Griffin help CEO caught harassing gay teen get “online famous”
Griffin then went on to admit she’s had a rough four years since she posted a picture of herself holding what appeared to be Donald Trump‘s severed head. The image, posted around the time Trump entered the White House, invited wide backlash as an attack on the presidency. Her career opportunities shrunk as a result.
“Of course I am fully vaccinated for COVID,” she added. “The consequences for being unvaccinated would have been even more serious.”
“Please stay up to date on your medical check-ups,” Griffin concluded. “It’ll save your life.”
The post to Instagram invited much sympathy and encouragement for Griffin, with celebrities Andie MacDowell, Del Shores, Shangela, Nikki Glaser, Amy Schumer, Traci Lords and Rosie O’Donnell all offering words of encouragement.
A recent study estimated that 70% of all women diagnosed with lung cancer previously smoked tobacco products.
In 2017, Griffin offered support to her sister Joyce over her own cancer diagnosis. Joyce died of the disease later that year. In 2014, Griffin also lost her brother Gary died of esophageal cancer.
Kathy, if you’re reading this, we wish you a speedy recovery!
BaltoSteve
Her diagnoses makes a strong case of the hazards of second hand smoke. She may have never smoked herself, however, think about the comedy clubs she used to play. Hell, there are still some venues in this country where smoking inside is still allowed.
Caine
This has nothing to do with second hand smoke.
BaltoSteve
State your case, rationale, and please cite your sources.
LumpyPillows
Kathy Griffin is a glorious, never-ending traffic accident I can’t stop watching. Like the honey badge, Kathy don’t care. I sure hope she recovers quickly.
Caine
Kathy Griffin is glorious. Period.
Cam
Hopefully she recovers fast.
ScottOnEarth
This is such shocking and sad news but I’m very hopeful that Kathy will make a full and fast recovery. I will forever love Kathy and cannot believe the hell she has gone through in the past few years. Not only is she brilliantly funny but she has always been a true advocate for our community and we cannot forget that. Love you, Kathy!!!
barryaksarben
GOOD LUCK KATHY! I have adored you since the 80s and wish you well. You took on trump and paid more than most. You are a bad bitch boss and I admire you and your toughness. Hang in there. LOVE YA
Caine
#teamgriffith To the wonderful lady who has brought me so many laughs over the years. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Come back to Carnegie Hall soon!!!
cubcmh
You mean #teamgriffin, right? Kathy *Griffin* has our support.
Fahd
Get well soon!
Queerty should really run more stories on Kathy; she is so much more deserving of the attention than so many of the website’s go-to “celebrities”. I’d like to see her regularly on TV again too, especially at New Year’s Eve.
ScottOnEarth
I completely agree. Great comment.
MISTERJETT
she’s in my prayers.
Kangol2
Hoping and praying for a full recovery. She’s a one-of-kind comedian and her lives shows, like Margaret Cho’s, are fall-in-the-aisles funny!
cuteguy
Megan McCain is a vile, disgusting human being what she said about Kathy after learning of her diagnosis. Ms Griffin is an icon and a true lgbtq ally, unlike that fugly Megan and her equally fugly husband
BoomerMyles
Kathy helped fundraise for Clay Aiken’s Congressional run.
Miss McCan’t pretends to be an ally but has never fundraised for an LGBT candidate.
Instead she funds her husband’s website which routinely attacks gay and trans people.
Gadfeal
Poor Kathy. This is not the best time to have any surgery, especially one that is as debilitating as removing a lung; it makes one particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, and if she will recover in an ITU, she would likely be in the same “ward” as the growing number of patients there in respiratory failure from COVID infection Delta variant.
Even if you haven’t smoked, 2nd hand smoke from “neighbors” or pollution also reach the lungs.
ScottOnEarth
Wow. You’re just a ray of f-ing sunshine.
BoomerMyles
Best wishes and love for Kathy. She is ans always was a SUPER ally!
o.codone
If you’re a hater you should not expect kindness or kudos. KG is a hater, and there are millions who hate her back bc she is so bitter and enraged all the time. It’s foolish to be a hater and then go gushing all over everyone expecting love. No love for KG even if she is sick. Don’t be a hater and then expect everybody to love you. It doesn’t work that way. She’s a hater and why the LGBTQ community accepts her is a mystery.
Kanaka4127
Take a pill Codone. You’re the only hater on here.
fredk3
KG is awesome and brave and a total supporter of gays. no one here thinks she’s anti gay. you’re alone on that one.
Cam
Was your “Miss Terri” screename not available?
LumpyPillows
Karma is a bitch, o.codone…watch your back when she comes a calling.