By Stig Editor Ringo Starr Breaks Silence: Brain Surgery Leaves Daughter’s Future Uncertain, as she may never walk…..
LONDON – Legendary Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has shared a deeply emotional update regarding the health of his daughter, Lee Starkey, following a recent brain surgery. In a rare public statement issued early this morning, June 23, 2025, Starr revealed that the surgery, intended to address a recurring brain tumor, has left doctors uncertain about Lee’s ability to walk again, casting a shadow over the family’s hopes for her full recovery.
Lee Starkey, 54, the youngest child of Starr and his late first wife, Maureen Starkey Tigrett, has faced significant health challenges throughout her life. Initially diagnosed with a rare brain tumor known as an ependymoma in the mid-1990s, she underwent successful surgery and radiation treatment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. However, the tumor’s recurrence in recent months necessitated another critical procedure, this time performed at a private neurosurgical center in London.
In his statement, Starr expressed both gratitude and concern: “Our family has been through a lot with Lee’s health, and she’s shown incredible strength. The surgery went as well as it could under the circumstances, but the doctors have warned us that the impact on her mobility is severe. They can’t say for sure if she’ll walk again. We’re holding onto hope and asking for privacy as she begins this next chapter.”
The news has stunned fans worldwide, many of whom remember Lee’s previous battles with cancer, including the loss of her mother to leukemia in 1994, which preceded her initial tumor diagnosis. Sources close to the family indicate that the latest surgery was complex, involving the removal of a significant portion of the tumor that had affected areas of the brain responsible for motor function. While the procedure succeeded in addressing the immediate threat, the potential long-term effects on Lee’s mobility have left her family reeling.
Starr, now 84, has canceled upcoming public appearances to remain by his daughter’s side, joined by his wife, Barbara Bach, and Lee’s brothers, Zak and Jason Starkey. The Beatles community has rallied around the family, with Paul McCartney, Starr’s longtime bandmate, reportedly visiting London to offer support and help cover the costs of Lee’s care—a gesture that echoes their enduring bond.
Lee, known for her work as a fashion designer and makeup artist, has largely stayed out of the public eye, raising her three children—triplets Smokey, Jakamo, and Ruby Tiger—with her partner, Jay Mehler. Her resilience has been a source of inspiration, but the latest development has prompted an outpouring of concern from fans and celebrities alike. Social media platforms are flooded with messages of support, with one fan writing, “Lee’s a fighter like her dad. Sending all the love for her recovery.”
Medical experts caution that the prognosis for brain tumor patients varies widely, particularly when tumors recur and affect critical areas like those controlling movement. While advancements in neurosurgery and rehabilitation offer hope, the uncertainty surrounding Lee’s condition reflects the complexity of her case. The family has not disclosed specific details about her treatment plan, but it is believed she will undergo extensive physical therapy in the coming months.
This latest health crisis adds to the Starkey family’s history of medical challenges, including Starr’s own struggles with illness in recent years and the health issues faced by other Beatles members’ families. Despite the gravity of the situation, Starr’s message concluded with his signature optimism: “Peace and love to all who’ve sent their thoughts. We believe in Lee’s strength, and we’re taking it one day at a time.”
As Lee begins her recovery, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a miracle that will allow her to defy the odds once more. For now, the focus remains on her care, with the Beatles legacy serving as a backdrop to a deeply personal and human story of resilience and love.