Mark Feehily issued a statement to announce his temporary departure from Westlife due to ill health.
Formed in 1998, Westlife had been part of Feehily's career in the music industry as he had performed with his bandmates - Nicky Byrne, Brian McFadden, Shane Filan and Kian Egan - over the past decades across the U.K.
Ahead of the band's U.S. tour, the members received heartbreaking news from Feehily, who announced his exit from Westlife.
Why Did Mark Feehily Leave Westlife?
Feehily announced his temporary departure from Westlife after years of health struggles. The musician faced the worst when he caught pneumonia at the end of 2022, though he received a more concerning diagnosis of sepsis due to prolonged ill health.
He wrote a lengthy message and posted it on Instagram, confirming his break from touring with Westlife. He also mentioned his health struggles over the years, noting it all started after his surgery in August 2020.
"I eventually ended that awful day in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where I was informed that due to a complication with the surgery, I had developed severe 'Sepsis', a life-threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life. I spent the next few months in hospital," Feehily explained, saying it happened during lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
He was discharged from the hospital in December 2020 but continuously experienced medical problems afterward. Unfortunately, it led him to miss the rest of his group's concert at the time.
Feehily reportedly underwent surgery before developing an incisional hernia that also required him to receive another procedure.
"It is with the upmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual," he shared. "Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years."
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When Will Feehily Return to Westlife?
While Feehily did not share a timeline to determine when fans could expect his return, his bandmates let him know they would be waiting for him as they respect his decision to take a break.
Fans also left heartfelt messages and sent their well wishes to the band member.
One said, "Take care, Mark. You will be missed. We love you!"
"I'm so sorry for all of this Mark! We are devasted with this news! But first of all your health comes first of all the things!" another wrote. "Please take care of yourself and we love you so much! Take your time that you need to heal! I'll see you in the next tour happy and healthy! We love you soooo much, never foget about this!"
"We'll miss you in Brazil Marky! But PLEASE take care and get well soon! We love you," a third added.
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