Taylor Dayne, the voice behind the iconic 1987 hit “Tell It to My Heart,” recently shared a deeply personal chapter of her life: her fight against colon cancer. Now 62, the singer reflected on the life-altering diagnosis she received in July 2022, which came as a shock after a routine colonoscopy revealed a cancerous polyp. What followed was a challenging road of surgery, recovery, and a renewed perspective on life.
Dayne, a three-time Grammy nominee, underwent a procedure to remove 10 inches of her colon shortly after the diagnosis. However, her ordeal didn’t end there. A subsequent infection forced her back into the hospital for nearly a month, testing her resilience. Despite the setbacks, she emerged cancer-free by November 2022 and has since embraced regular screenings—now getting colonoscopies every six months—to stay vigilant.
Speaking candidly, Dayne expressed gratitude for catching the disease early, crediting her habit of routine checkups. “I’d been so diligent with my health,” she said, recalling how earlier colonoscopies had only found benign polyps. The sudden shift to a malignant finding left her reeling, but also determined to raise awareness. She’s now urging others, especially women, to prioritize screenings, emphasizing how quickly things can change—five months prior, her tests had been clear.
The singer’s journey also took an emotional toll when her friend, actress Kirstie Alley, passed away from colon cancer in December 2022, just months after Dayne’s own diagnosis. “I adored her,” Dayne said, noting the stark reminder of the disease’s unpredictability. Today, she channels her experience into her music and advocacy, performing with a renewed sense of purpose. “Life is precious,” she affirmed, a mantra that now guides her every step.
