The Indigo Girls shared an emotional video on Instagram, revealing the heartbreaking news that Emily Saliers was diagnosed with two incurable disorders that impact her vocals.
Specifically, she was diagnosed with cervical dystonia and an essential tremor, but the two promised their fans that they are going to continue along with their schedule tour.
“Unfortunately, there’s no cure for these, so the honest fact is that my voice will not be what it was,” Saliers said with tears in her eyes. “That’s really hard for me. … I hate that I’m only 62 and it’s happened to me, but we are both aging. People age. We are trying to look at this organically as a process of our own aging.”
Sailers asked for fans to give her “some grace” as her voice will not sound the same.
“I just hope that you can have some grace with my struggles for this particular touring year,” she added. “We’re gonna work hard to make it good, and then whatever the future holds, we’ll see. … We want to bring you the best show that we possibly can.”
Brandi Carlile Reveals She’s Been ‘A Lifelong’ Fan of The Indigo Girls
Many people showed their support for the beloved band, and that included 11-time Grammy Award winner Brandi Carlile who penned an emotional note to the two singers.
“This is why these two have been my heroes and the only reason I ever picked up a guitar,” she began. “Being an @indigogirls fan is a life long privilege.
“Indigo Girls fans already have an evolved perspective on aging and a deeper understanding of how badass vulnerability really is,” Carlile continued. “This is because of the music they have given us. Wisdom breeds wisdom.”
She went on to speak for all Indigo Girls’ fans by emphasizing that they all have Saliers’ back following this diagnosis, and that she along with all the others will be “singing with you.”
“We are the luckiest fans in the world – we know our verses, and we know the words to every song,” Carlile concluded. “Let’s sing them back at the Indigo Girls louder than ever.”
More Support Pours In For Emily Saliers
Along with Carlile, many others left kind comments of support.
“What you offer the world is beyond bodies. Thank you for sharing whatever you have to share. It will be received with so much love and gratitude-,” singer Sara Bareilles commented.
“Your audience has been aging too, Emily and Amy. We’re entering our Indigo Crones era with you. So much has changed – around us and on us and in us. But you haven’t. You’ve been with us the whole time- writing us through, leading us forward, singing us home. We’re not home yet, so you can’t stop singing. We won’t either. Lead the way Emily- show us how to sing while we shake. There might not be a more important thing to show us in this moment. We love you, Amy and Emily. See you on stage,” popular author Glennon Doyle posted.
“What a beautiful, beautiful message. I believe in @indigogirlsmusic forever. ❤️ thank you for being so brave,” actress Kirsten Vangsness shared.
