If you’ve ever cranked up "All Right Now" or "Feel Like Makin' Love" on a long highway drive, you know the voice. Paul Rodgers isn’t just a singer; he’s basically the blueprint for every blues-rock frontman who came after him. But lately, the conversation around him has shifted. It’s not just about the high notes anymore. People are asking about Paul Rodgers and wife Cynthia Kereluk, especially after a series of health scares that nearly silenced him for good.
Life in the Okanagan Valley is a far cry from the smoky clubs of London or the private jets of the Bad Company era. Rodgers, now a Canadian citizen, spends his days with Cynthia in Summerland, British Columbia. They aren't living the "rock star" cliché. Honestly, they’re more likely to be found at an animal shelter than a red carpet.
But why did one of the greatest singers in history suddenly stop touring? And what role did his wife play in his survival?
Who Is Cynthia Kereluk?
Most people outside of Canada might not realize that Cynthia Kereluk was a massive star in her own right long before she met Paul. She wasn’t just "the wife." In 1984, she was crowned Miss Canada.
She transitioned from pageantry into the fitness world, hosting Everyday Workout for 15 years. If you lived in Canada in the 90s, you probably saw her on TV every morning. She was the nation’s fitness guru. That background in health and wellness ended up being a literal life-saver for Paul when his health took a nose-dive.
The two met in the late 90s and dated for a decade before finally tying the knot in 2007. It was a private ceremony at their home, surrounded by the nature they both love. Since then, they’ve become a powerhouse duo, but not in the way most celebrity couples are. They’re obsessed with animal welfare. They’ve donated buildings to local charities like Critteraid and are patrons of the Willows Animal Sanctuary in Scotland.
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The Health Scares No One Saw Coming
In 2021, the world finally learned why Paul had been so quiet. He had suffered 11 minor strokes and two major ones. Think about that for a second. The man who fronted Free, Bad Company, and Queen—the guy Freddie Mercury supposedly idolized—couldn't speak.
Cynthia was the one who noticed the first signs. Because of her fitness background and her intuition, she pushed for the medical attention he needed. There’s a specific moment they’ve talked about where Paul was in the hospital, and they weren't sure if he’d ever sing again, let alone talk.
He underwent a carotid endarterectomy. It’s a terrifying procedure where surgeons open up the carotid artery to remove plaque. One slip, and the vocal cords are gone.
"I was just happy to have him back," Cynthia told CBS Mornings. "The singing was a bonus."
He did get the voice back, eventually. He even released a new album, Midnight Rose, in 2023. Cynthia actually co-produced it and helped with the artwork. It was a total family affair. But the road to recovery wasn't a straight line.
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Why He’s Skipping the Rock Hall Induction
Fast forward to early 2026. Bad Company is finally being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Fans have been waiting for this for decades. Simon Kirke, the legendary drummer, was already telling reporters they’d be performing.
Then, the bombshell dropped.
Paul Rodgers officially backed out of the performance. It wasn't because he couldn't sing—he’s made it clear that his voice is still there. It’s the stress. The travel. The "everything else" that comes with being a rock star.
At 76 years old, Paul is choosing his life with Cynthia and their rescue animals over one last night under the bright lights. It’s a move that knda breaks your heart as a fan, but you’ve gotta respect it. He’s prioritizing his health. He’s listening to his body, and likely listening to the woman who helped him get his life back.
The Quiet Life in Summerland
So, what does a typical day look like for the couple now?
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They aren't living in a gated mansion in Beverly Hills. Their home in the Okanagan is about peace. They share it with a Doberman named Saxon (an SPCA rescue) and a small army of cats. They spend a lot of time volunteering at the Critteraid Charity Shoppe. In fact, they donated the building for the shop rent-free.
It’s a different kind of legacy.
Rodgers has sold over 90 million records. He’s written "All Right Now," a song that gets played on the radio every few minutes somewhere on Earth. But if you ask him now, he’ll tell you his proudest moments involve the work he does with Cynthia.
What You Can Learn from the Rodgers' Journey
- Health is the real currency: Even a rock god has to bow out when the body says "enough."
- Partnership matters: Without Cynthia's quick thinking and her focus on wellness, the 2023 album Midnight Rose probably wouldn't exist.
- Advocacy lasts longer than fame: Their work with animal sanctuaries provides a blueprint for how celebrities can use their wealth for tangible local good.
If you’re a fan looking to support Paul Rodgers today, the best way isn't just buying a t-shirt. It’s looking into the charities he and Cynthia champion.
Next Steps for Fans:
Check out the Willows Animal Sanctuary or Critteraid. These are the causes that keep Paul and Cynthia busy these days. If you're missing that voice, go back and listen to Midnight Rose. It’s probably the most honest work he’s ever done because it was born out of a struggle he almost didn't survive.
The era of Bad Company stadium tours might be over, but the story of Paul Rodgers and Cynthia Kereluk is still being written—just in a much quieter, more meaningful way.