Kansas Frontman Ronnie Platt, 64, Offers Health Update After Cancer Diagnosis

Kansas frontman Ronnie Platt has offered an update on his health following his recent thyroid cancer diagnosis.

“I am home! The doctor said my surgery couldn’t have gone any better,” Platt, 64, announced via his Facebook account on Wednesday, March 5.

Platt confirmed in February that he would have to temporarily step back from touring with Kansas to undergo treatment for thyroid cancer. The singer was assured by his doctors that he had a “99 percent survival rate” because the disease had not spread.

In his new Facebook message, Platt credited Kansas’ loyal fans with keeping his spirits high with their supportive messages during a very difficult time.

“I felt the power of everyone’s prayers and positive energy! You all have helped me [through] this. How do I, or can I, ever thank all of you for that!? Day 1 of recovery here I am,” he wrote.

As Platt began his road to recovery, he promised his social media followers that he was committed to “getting back to what [he does] best.”

“Yes, singing, but my true job is entertaining you all and helping you, at least for a couple hours, forget about your problems and recharge your batteries. I take a lot of pride in that,” he concluded his message.

Platt had earlier encouraged Kansas fans not to worry over his condition since his doctors detected his thyroid cancer early.

“I just have to have my thyroid removed … I have some absolutely amazing people going to bat for me!! As it has been put to me, this is just a bump in the road and will be behind me very soon! so everyone please CARRY ON,” he wrote on Facebook in February.

Kansas subsequently cancelled concerts in New Orleans on Friday, February 21 and in Lake Charles on Saturday, March 1 because of “band illness and doctor advisement.”

“The band apologizes for the inconvenience and hopes to be back on the road soon,” Kansas said in a statement at the time.

Kansas’s manager J.R. Rees later told Ultimate Classic Rock that the group had put all touring plans on hold in order to support Platt. They are scheduled to resume performing in April.

“Our goal is to be back on the road as soon as possible. Right now, we’re all focused on supporting Ronnie through this,” Rees insisted.

Platt originally worked as a truck driver before joining a latter-day incarnation of the Kansas City-based rock band Shooting Star. He reached out to Kansas lead guitarist Rich Williams on social media about joining the legendary group when its original frontman Steve Walsh retired in 2014. Walsh sang most of Kansas’ best-known hits, including 1976’s “Carry on Wayward Son” and 1978’s “Dust in the Wind.”

When Kansas subsequently hired Platt in 2014, the musician told fans: “I want KANSAS fans to know, first and foremost, I’m one of them. Heck, I’m a blue collar guy that rides a Harley and I’ve spent most of my adult life earning a living by driving a truck. I’m a long time fan of the music and have always looked up to Steve Walsh. ”

“My goal is not to replace Steve; no one can do that,” Platt went on. “It is my goal and responsibility to sustain the integrity that is KANSAS. This is a lifelong dream and I would like to thank Phil, Rich, Billy, and David for the opportunity. Yes, I’ve got the job, but now it’s time to earn it …. and I take nothing for granted that has been given to me. My performance in KANSAS will be how I’ve always performed, with passion and enthusiasm.”

Platt has since performed on Kansas’ 2016 album The Prelude Implicit and their most recent recording, 2020’s The Absence of Presence.