Spanish music iconic singer Raphael is diagnosed with brain cancer

The recent announcement regarding the health of Raphael, an iconic Spanish singer, has raised significant concern among fans and the artistic community. After days of uncertainty, it has been confirmed that the singer is fighting brain lymphoma and currently undergoing medical treatment.

Raphael has been an influential presence in music for over sixty years. A living music legend who's won over Spanish-speaking audiences far beyond his home country of Spain with his music, variety shows, musical specials, and acting. The diagnosis of brain lymphoma has led many to inquire about the specifics of his illness and how he is coping with this challenging situation.

Raphael's Diagnosis: Primary Brain Lymphoma

As reported by EFE, singer Raphael has been diagnosed with primary brain lymphoma. This rare type of lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system's cells and develops directly within the brain. The illness has been detected in two specific nodules in the left hemisphere of his brain, requiring urgent treatment. Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, physicians have assured that the singer is already receiving the necessary treatment. This treatment encompasses specialized therapies aimed at reducing the brain nodules and enhancing Raphael's overall health.

The 81-year-old artist ended up in the hospital on December 17 after having a stroke while working on a Christmas special for the TVE show "La Revuelta."

His family, his pillar and strong support 

The recent news has been challenging for both the singer and his family, who have been providing updates to the media gathered outside the hospital. They are keeping everyone informed about the progress of the award-winning artist who has received the 'Gold Medal of Andalusia.' The latest visitor, Jacobo Martos, stated upon his arrival on Thursday that his father was doing "well" and that they hoped to learn today when the artist might be discharged: "Today they’ll let us know and confirm if he’s leaving tomorrow or not."

The family that Raphael and Natalia Figueroa formed—having married in July 1972 in Venice—is very close, and this has been demonstrated once more in recent hours. On the night of Tuesday, shortly after news of the artist's urgent hospitalization broke, their sons Jacobo and Manuel Martos were seen arriving at the hospital to support him and speak with the doctors. The wife of the ACE award winner for 'best concert of the year' has also been seen visiting him daily, along with Alejandra and their daughter, Manuela de Arenzana, who had recently accompanied her grandfather to collect an award.

Raphael's 2025 tour has been canceled

Due to his hospitalization, the concerts that Raphael was scheduled to perform at the WiZink Center in Madrid last week have already been canceled. On Thursday, his representation office, RLM, announced the cancellation of the Victoria 2025 tour through the following statement: “We regret to inform you that, on medical advice, the artist Raphael has been forced to cancel the concerts planned for early 2025 in the U.S., Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. In the coming months, Raphael will undergo specialized outpatient treatment for a recently diagnosed neurological condition. Consequently, his medical team has recommended a prolonged period of rest while he undergoes treatment. The promoter and official ticket sellers for each concert will contact buyers shortly to arrange ticket refunds.”

Raphael's emergency transfer

On Tuesday, December 17, around 7:30 PM, doctors were called to Teatro Príncipe de Gran Vía after Raphael began experiencing discomfort and exhibited incoherent speech during the recording of TVE's Christmas special for La Revuelta. The production team quickly summoned emergency assistance upon noticing that the renowned performer of hits like 'Escándalo' and 'Qué sabe nadie' was in distress. 

The first medical update regarding the internationally acclaimed musical artist was issued by Clínico San Carlos Hospital in Madrid on December 18, confirming that a stroke was ruled out: "Patient Miguel Rafael Martos Sánchez was transferred last night to Clínico San Carlos due to a speech issue, which could indicate a possible stroke. After several hours of urgent neurological evaluation, a stroke has been ruled out as the reason for his hospitalization. Nevertheless, additional tests are needed to ascertain the cause of his neurological condition. At the request of the patient and his family, he will be transferred to Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre for continued medical follow-up, as he has a history of transplants at this facility." Since the transfer to Clínico San Carlos, his family has remained actively involved, with his children and wife providing updates on his condition.