Reason for Dennis' 'retirement' revealed.

[StyxGuy]

Dennis' daughter just posted to his Facebook that his wife Suzanne has been battling cancer for the past 2 years.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Dennis' daughter just posted to his Facebook that his wife Suzanne has been battling cancer for the past 2 years.

Thank you, I just came here to post the information:

From Dennis' Faacebook Page:

Remember when we used to whisper the word "cancer"?
For nearly two years, our family's rock, my mother, has been bravely battling this relentless adversary.

Dennis DeYoung formerly of Styx, better known as my father, has been unwilling to share this information . But it feels important to finally lift the curtain on our reality, both for our family and for others facing similar struggles.

Suzanne Marie Feusi Deyoung, my mother and my dad's beloved partner of 55 years, is not just his wife; she’s his confidante muse, manager, and an incredible woman who has played many roles. Including, author, accountant, and backup singer. After enduring surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, we faced the shock of yet another battle shortly after a routine health checkup. Another surgery and more chemo. So, when people ask why my dad isn’t touring anymore, the answer is clear: family comes first.
I spent seven months in Chicago, watching the strongest woman I know endure pain that words can’t adequately describe. It’s a heavy burden, knowing that millions around the world are fighting similar battles. But through the pain, laughter remains our lifeline. In our family, humor is our special medicine—no one escapes being the subject of light-hearted teasing! Those ridiculous moments become our cherished memories, and we embrace that coping mechanism wholeheartedly.

From a young age, my father instilled in us the importance of family. He has always placed us first, making sacrifices in his career for our sake. We don’t air our struggles like a reality show, which is why I feel compelled to share this now.

His comedic brilliance shines even amid chaos. Daily life turned into a humorous skit reminiscent of "The Honeymooners," with my dad humorously navigating household chores like meal planning complete with apron and chefs hat. “What does everyone want for dinner?” he’d ask, only to get the classic reply: “We don’t know, it’s too early!” His amusing frustrations from loading the dishwasher to serving mom meals have colored our lives with laughter. It’s awe-inspiring to see him tackle the physical demands of this journey—his dedication to caring for my mother during chemotherapy has been unwavering. Managing everything from cooking nutritious meals that catered to her changing diet to coordinating hospital visits, he has proven that love is an action-oriented commitment.

My father has taken on the emotional and physical burdens of being her primary caregiver, reassuring her, making her laugh, and performing the everyday tasks that kept their home running smoothly. He has turned down many opportunities during this time, choosing instead to be by her side. One thing is certain: his love for my mother has never wavered

Love, CarrieAnn an Matthew Ryan DeYoung

[Jodes]

No matter what's happened between Dennis and the rest of the band - this is absolutely gut wrenching and heartbreaking.

Sigh.

[Monker]

All possible well wishes for Dennis and his family for what he is going through. It is not an easy thing living with and watching such a horrible thing like cancer destroy a person.

It is really confusing saying this is the reason he has not toured. He canceled the 2020 tour due to Covid and has done nothing but say he wanted one more tour with Styx ever since. Maybe he has had offers for a solo tour that he turned down because of Suzanne the past couple years...but prior to that he did not express much interest in touring solo either. In fact, I took the "26 East" albums as the finale for his career...and that is what he intended...and only reuniting with Styx would pull him out of retirement. Maybe it is a combination of both.

In all fairness and respect, it's not a time to be critical of such things. I'm sure part of the reason he has been silent is to avoid anything about Suzanne starting a debate full of negativity and such. I know I would do the same for this very reason.

[ChicagoSTYX]

So sorry to hear this. I hope she can have a full recovery!!

[yogi]

Very sad news for Dennis and his family. Will be praying for them all.

[TageRyche]

Cancer sucks.

Here's to a full recovery and kudos go out to Dennis for choosing his wife and being her caregiver.