Muni Long, the acclaimed singer known for her powerful vocals, recently shared her harrowing health journey following an early exit from Brandy and Monica’s tour, “The Boy Is Mine.” In a candid interview on Good Morning America, Long disclosed that she underwent a double lung transplant after battling severe health complications that arose during the 2025 tour.
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The 37-year-old performer, who was diagnosed with lupus in 2014, expressed regret over her decision to join the tour amidst numerous personal challenges. “I should have never taken that tour. But there was so much going on in my life that I had to do it,” she admitted while recounting her struggles during the event.
Long’s health deteriorated significantly during the tour, with pneumonia forcing her to cut her performance short at her final show. “I just barely made it. I was only able to do two songs,” she recalled, highlighting the difficulty of performing under her medical conditions. After the tour, she returned home for Thanksgiving but was shocked to wake up in a hospital bed where doctors delivered a grim diagnosis: she would need a double lung transplant to survive.
“I knew for a really long time that something was wrong,” Long explained, describing her daily battles with coughing and excessive phlegm production. She had attempted to push through her illness while maintaining her responsibilities as a performer. “With this industry, you’re always in people’s faces. I’m taking pictures, and I’m just huffing and puffing like I just ran a marathon,” she reflected on the physical toll the career was taking on her health.
Despite the overwhelming nature of the news, Long noted that she felt significantly better after emergency treatment. However, the prognosis she received from her medical team was harsh. “My jaw dropped. Literally. I was like, ‘That’s rude.’ But they were kind of like, ‘This is not a joke. You need to make a choice.’ You can either go to hospice or you can get these lungs,” she detailed.
Long pondered over the decision to undergo surgery, feeling conflicted due to her concerns about her voice and future as a performer. However, the thought of her son, whom she shares with ex-husband Raysean Hairston, ultimately swayed her decision. “The ego and vanity were just like, ‘But what about my voice? What’s going to happen?’ But then I look at my son, and I think about how much more life I have to live. Quality of life was first. I can’t sing if I’m not here,” she recounted.
Six months post-surgery, Long expressed elation at her recovery progress. “I’m doing fabulous,” she shared, explaining that her upcoming appointment would mark a significant milestone in her recovery. “No symptoms. Asymptomatic. No infections. None of that,” she said, reflecting on the improvement in her health. She looked forward to her vocal checkup, noting that she had also undergone vocal surgery during her treatment.
In the lead-up to her health complications, Long had recorded a new single titled “The Riches.” She acknowledged that her voice had changed following the transplant. “My voice now is totally different. It’s actually better, should I say? But I don’t know that I can perform yet. They gave me six months to a year,” she revealed, hinting at her excitement for the future.
Following her withdrawal from the tour, Long issued a heartfelt message to her fans in a social media post. “As many of you know, I’ve been battling some health issues throughout The Boy Is Mine Tour. Despite doing everything I can to push through, my doctors have made it clear that it’s not safe for me to continue with the remaining dates.” She expressed deep gratitude towards Brandy and Monica for the opportunity to perform alongside them, stating she looked forward to returning to the stage in a stronger capacity.
Reflecting on her experience with lupus, Long previously shared insights into managing her condition while touring. “Please turn the air off when I come in the building. I’m not being a diva, but literally if I get too cold, I start coughing and I won’t be able to sing,” she explained, offering a glimpse into the challenges she faces daily.
Muni Long’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity serve as an inspiring testament to her strength as both an artist and a person. As she continues to heal, fans can be hopeful for her return to the stage and the music they love.