45 years without Bob Marley: Remembering reggae’s eternal voice
Bob Marley was just 36 years old when he died
Yesterday (11 May) marked the 45th anniversary of Bob Marley's death, when the world lost a legendary musical icon. Bob Marley was just 36 years old when he died.
The musical icon died in 1981 after being diagnosed with cancer. Tragically, the illness began in his toe before spreading to other parts of his body.
Marley continued touring and recording music, releasing three more albums during his lifetime and one posthumously.
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Years before his death, in 1977, he was found to have a spot under one of his toenails. Doctors discovered that the spot, according to Sun and Skin News, was a "rare, aggressive type of skin cancer called acral lentiginous melanoma," or ALM.
Following his diagnosis, Marley's doctor recommended that he have his toe amputated to prevent the cancer from spreading further.
Per HealthCert, the reggae legend instead chose "excision surgery," in which surgeons removed only his toenail and surrounding tissue.
In 1980, however, his condition took a tragic turn, according to People.
Marley collapsed in New York City and was rushed to the hospital. After undergoing tests, doctors found that the melanoma had spread to his stomach, lungs, and brain.
Rather than remain in the US for cancer treatment, Marley travelled to Germany for experimental therapy. Sadly, his condition continued to worsen, and he died while en route to his homeland, Jamaica. It was reported that
Marley weighed just over 80 pounds at the time of his death.
In 2024, on what would have been Marley's 79th birthday, his son Ziggy Marley wrote a heartfelt letter in memory of his father.
"I miss everything [about you], but mainly your presence," Ziggy said. "I listen to you. Your songs are always playing when I go to my mother house, music is on. Bob is on. Music is always around. My smile is honoring you."
He added, "I laugh, and it looks like your laugh. Pieces of you are a part of me. You would've loved being a grandpa. I see a little bit of you in them every now and again. It's lovely to see. It's joyful. The grandkids get a piece of you through us. Everything we do is connected to you."
Ziggy Marley was just 12 years old when his father died.
