Beloved country music frontman battling cancer celebrates milestone birthday

Raul Malo has been in the headlines plenty across the past couple months as he has bravely battled cancer, and this week is supposed to be a big one for him because he is slated to have an important surgery.

That’s not the only reason it is a big week for Malo, though.

Thursday was the popular country music singer’s birthday, and it was a milestone one at that as he turned 60.

“Please join us in wishing a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to El Maestro himself Mr. (Raul Malo),” the band wrote on its Instagram. “We love ya brother!”

Fans chimed in to send love and well-wishes, too.

The Mavericks wrapped up a slate last week of playing 22 cities across 30 days, and Malo reminded fans in a post about that of his surgery coming this week.

“We’ll keep you all updated after next week’s surgery,” he wrote. “Thank you all for your good wishes. Have a great rest of summer. Love to all. See you all down the road…”

The surgery is key for him as he continues his battle against cancer which he first shared with fans last summer.

Also, following Malo’s post, the band also put out a statement announcing that it would miss an event early next year while Malo undergoes another surgery for a hernia. That post also shed some light on the hopeful timeline for the singer to get through his battle against the disease.

“Hey everyone, due to Raul’s upcoming treatment schedule, The Mavericks’ will unfortunately no longer be a part of the Sandy Beaches Cruise 2026,” the band said in a statement. “Next January, RM will undergo hernia surgery to repair complications from a previous operation. The recovery time following this procedure will require us to take the first couple months of 2026 off for him to rest & recuperate and hopefully be the final hurdle in his cancer treatment.

“The decision was not made lightly, and we apologize for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause,” he continued. “Your continued support means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your understanding during this time. Thank you for your patience and kindness. We hope to sail with you all again soon. – The Mavericks.”

Fans were supportive of that move.

“The right decision,” one person responded. “Sending prayers of medical wisdom, comfort and healing.”

“Definitely a wise decision, and health is paramount,” another wrote. “I wish you all the best, recovery, and good health.”

“The decision was not made lightly, and we apologize for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause,” he continued. “Your continued support means the world to us, and we are deeply grateful for your understanding during this time. Thank you for your patience and kindness. We hope to sail with you all again soon. – The Mavericks.”

Fans were supportive of that move.

“The right decision,” one person responded. “Sending prayers of medical wisdom, comfort and healing.”

“Definitely a wise decision, and health is paramount,” another wrote. “I wish you all the best, recovery, and good health.”

“My sinus infection literally brought me to my knees,” he added. “I had never felt headaches like that. I went to a specialist. Got it taken care of but the residual results are numbing of the left side of my face. Neurologist said it will repair over time. The damage is not permanent and not visible. A little drooling here and there … oh well.”

“Perspective: I’m alive.”

Malo continued to lay out his physical situation.

“The abdominal hernia has been the most challenging in all of this,” he wrote. “First of all it’s very visible. And at times it has been really painful. Most of the time it’s just really uncomfortable as I have to wear this hernia belt around my abdomen to help keep my insides in place … ugh! I’ve basically been turned into a drooling, farting potato … sigh.

“Perspective: I’m alive.”

He then talked about the road ahead.

“I say all this because I want those that are going through this to know that challenges will arise,” he wrote. “You will have your own. The fact that I can go onstage helps keep me focused on the end game. My colon surgery has been scheduled for August. The hernia will be repaired later on in the year as that will require a bit more recovery time. 16 rounds of chemo have done what they’re made to do … kill cancer. I’m not out of the woods yet but I’m on the way. First pic is from my last round of chemo. Then per usual I go for a drive in the countryside while listening to Pavarotti while driving a little over the speed limit. My wife Betty, makes a delicious Spanish omelet (my favorite) as the Mediterranean diet helps keep you healthy. For all those fighting this fight … hang in there. We got this! RM”

Malo shared some good news back in March, too.

“Received some great news this week and I wanted to share,” he wrote on the band’s Instagram back then. “My doctors are thrilled with my progress so far, hernia and all. All my scans so far have come back clear including the PET scan from last week. All my vital signs are excellent as well. We’ll know the next steps in the next week or so. Doctors will review all the scans and data and they’ll determine the next steps.”

Malo spent time in the hospital in January after developing the hernia. He also announced in January that he had surgery on Dec. 10 to remove a tumor from his liver.

Malo announced his diagnosis last June in an Instagram video.

“In the last couple of years, we out here on the road, we have been on a health kick,” he said. “Treating ourselves a little better. Taking care out ourselves a little better, and really trying to do all the right things as far as nutrition, etc. So, part of the health journey is to get yourself checked out. Go to a doctor, take a physical and start there.”

Malo said that is what he did.

“And that led to another appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist, which led to a CAT scan,” he said. “And that proved to show two cancerous spots.”

He has fought the disease bravely since, and now brings another big week for him as he continue to try to free himself of it for good.