Cherie Currie, the legendary lead singer of the all-female rock band The Runaways, has revealed that she suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with a dangerously blocked artery after recognizing troubling symptoms and rushing herself to the hospital.
The 66-year-old singer, best known for the 1970s rock anthem “Cherry Bomb,” shared the frightening news with fans in an emotional video posted from her hospital bed early Sunday, October 18.
Currie explained that she had been experiencing blurred vision and difficulty thinking clearly before realizing something was seriously wrong.
Her symptoms became particularly concerning while she was driving, prompting her to seek emergency medical attention.
What doctors discovered came as a shock.
According to Currie, a CT scan confirmed that she had suffered a stroke, while additional testing revealed a 90% blockage in her internal carotid artery, one of the major blood vessels responsible for supplying blood to the brain.
The singer admitted she had no idea her condition was so serious when she first arrived at the hospital.
In fact, she said she had driven herself there wearing shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops, never expecting to be admitted.
“I didn’t expect when they took the CT scan to show that I had a stroke,” Currie told followers.
The discovery was especially frightening because the singer had recently watched a medical professional’s social media video explaining possible warning signs of a stroke.
Currie said she recognized several of the symptoms described in the video, particularly changes in her eyesight and mental sharpness.
She later shared the video with her own followers, explaining that recognizing those warning signs had encouraged her to seek medical care.
“I’m so grateful that I listened to myself, and I brought myself to the hospital,” she said.
Doctors admitted Currie for further evaluation while examining the severity of the arterial blockage and determining the safest course of treatment.
In another video posted October 19, the singer acknowledged that her medical team was still discussing how best to address the problem.
Although the uncertainty was difficult, Currie expressed gratitude that doctors were carefully considering her treatment options.
She also thanked fans for the enormous outpouring of support she had received since revealing her diagnosis.
“I’m so grateful for you, and all of your well-wishes, and your positive energy,” she said.
Fortunately, Currie soon had encouraging news to share.
On Tuesday, October 20, the singer announced that she had been released from the hospital the previous day.
She explained that she had been too exhausted to update fans immediately and needed time to rest before discussing her condition further.
“My X family. I was released from hospital yesterday but was too tired to let you know,” she wrote.
Currie added that she hoped to provide another video update after recovering some of her energy.
Her hospitalization has drawn concern from longtime fans who remember her as the powerhouse vocalist of The Runaways, the groundbreaking rock group that helped open doors for women in the male-dominated music industry.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1975, The Runaways featured Currie alongside Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Sandy West and Jackie Fox during the band’s best-known period.
The teenage musicians became internationally recognized for their rebellious image, energetic performances and songs including “Cherry Bomb,” “Queens of Noise” and “Born to Be Bad.”
Currie’s powerful voice and distinctive stage presence helped establish her as one of the group’s most recognizable members.
Although The Runaways disbanded in 1979, their influence continued for decades, inspiring generations of female rock musicians.
The band’s story later became the subject of the 2010 biographical film “The Runaways,” starring Dakota Fanning as Currie and Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett.
Following her departure from the band, Currie pursued a solo recording career, performed with her twin sister Marie and appeared in several films.
She also became known for her work as an artist and chainsaw sculptor, creating elaborate wood carvings.
Despite her decades in the entertainment industry, Currie’s latest health scare has introduced her to an entirely different challenge.
A severe carotid artery blockage can significantly increase the risk of stroke because narrowing of the artery may restrict blood flow or allow a clot to travel toward the brain.
According to medical experts, treatment depends on factors including the location and severity of the blockage, a patient’s overall condition and whether a stroke has already occurred.
Possible treatments can include medication and procedures designed to restore or improve blood flow.
Currie has not publicly disclosed whether she will require surgery or another procedure to address the blockage.
Her release from the hospital is encouraging, but it does not necessarily mean the underlying artery problem has been resolved.
Medical professionals warn that stroke symptoms can include sudden vision changes, difficulty speaking, weakness, facial drooping, loss of balance and confusion.
Anyone experiencing possible stroke symptoms should call 911 immediately rather than driving themselves to a hospital, because rapid emergency treatment can reduce the risk of permanent injury.
For Currie, recognizing that something was wrong may have made a critical difference.
Now back home, the rock veteran is resting and expressing gratitude to the fans who have supported her through the frightening ordeal.
While questions remain about her treatment and recovery, Currie has made one thing clear: She is thankful she paid attention to her symptoms and sought help when she did.