Fletcher Says Lyme Disease Has Taken a 'Tremendous Toll' on Her Body — and 'Caused Concern' for Her Voice

Fans of Cari Fletcher —better known by her stage name, "Fletcher" — were disappointed when the singer canceled a slew of concert dates in September. However, that feeling was quickly replaced with shock and concern when Fletcher revealed the reason behind her decision: She has Lyme disease.

The pop singer took to Instagram on September 13 to simultaneously announce the cancellations (shows in Europe and Australia are postponed until 2024) and her diagnosis.

“I have recently been diagnosed with Lyme disease. I started becoming increasingly ill over the last couple years and just kept pushing even though I knew there was something deeper going on,” Fletcher, 29, wrote. “For the last few months I’ve been receiving treatments, following doctor’s orders and doing my best to learn more about this invisible illness.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted through an infected black-legged tick bite.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can include:

• fever
• fatigue
• headache
• a skin rash (often marked by a bulls-eye shape).

If untreated, the infection can affect a person's joints, nervous system and heart — and in advanced stages, can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, facial palsy, arthritis, heart palpitations and more.

Although Fletcher did not go into detail about her symptoms, she noted that in addition to Lyme disease taking "a tremendous toll on my physical body," it has "caused concern for my voice as well."

She explained: “This has wo[r]n on my soul in a way that’s hard to even put words to as singing is the thing I love most in this world and my voice is my vessel for expression.”

Fletcher continued: “I debated whether or not I wanted to speak about this publicly, but I’ve always let you into my world through the good, the bad and the ugly and I didn’t want to stop sharing with you now, Unfortunately, touring and singing every night just isn’t something my body is capable of in this moment and I want to show up for you all 100% and give you the best show that I know that I have in me and one that you deserve.”

The "Wasted Youth" singer ended her Instagram post by acknowledging "how incredibly fortunate" she is for the ability to "take time off to rest, heal and take care of my voice and body."

Fletcher added that she looks forward to performing again and expressed gratitude for her fans.

"I want to thank you for listening and thank you for all of your endless love and support," she concluded. "I love you all so much. Please take good care of yourselves.”