Carly Pearce, the Grammy-winning country music star, has opened up about her battle with recurrent pericarditis, a condition that nearly sidelined her career over the past few years. She reflects on the panic she felt during an emergency hospital visit due to severe chest pain, a reaction that was heightened by memories of her father’s near-fatal heart attack when she was just 19. Now, almost three years later, Pearce shares her journey toward recovery and the meaningful bond she formed with her fans during this challenging period.
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In 2021, Pearce found herself in the emergency room grappling with intense chest pain. “I was thinking, ‘Am I going to die?’” she recalled, expressing the fear that gripped her during that time. Her diagnosis of recurrent pericarditis, characterised by inflammation of the heart’s protective sac, forced her to reassess her active lifestyle. Doctors advised her to reduce her physical exertion, which was a difficult adjustment for an individual accustomed to High-Intensity Interval Training and distance running.
“It felt like my wings were clipped,” Pearce admitted, particularly as she was gearing up to launch a major tour alongside Tim McGraw. However, the unexpected pause provided her with a chance to connect with her audience on a deeper level. “It allowed me to be even more vulnerable, especially on a large stage,” she reflected, noting that her struggles brought a touch of humanity to her performances. Fans began to see her not just as a performer, but as a person navigating her own health challenges, creating a stronger emotional connection.
This intimate experience informed Pearce’s songwriting for her latest album, “Honest Woman.” “I’m an over-sharer at heart,” she said, describing how her condition encouraged her to be more genuine and open in her lyrics. Since her significant health crisis in 2024, which she affectionately dubbed the “grandma of flares,” Pearce reported only minor flare-ups, which can present as pain or shortness of breath.
As she navigates her ongoing health journey, Pearce emphasises the importance of individual treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. She encourages others to engage in open discussions with their doctors, acknowledging that health management is personal and should be adaptive. “I’ve learned to listen to my body and understand when to take it easy,” she explained. “Trying to push through inflammation can lead to more serious issues.”
During performances, Pearce has adopted a flexible approach, giving her best on good days while scaling back on days when she feels less energetic. Following her recovery, she has gradually returned to exercise, favouring lighter workouts such as walking over running, although she is back to running at her previous pace now. “I feel totally great,” Pearce exclaimed, expressing relief at finding a balance between staying active and caring for her health.
With this newfound wisdom, Pearce also understands how to manage potential flare-ups of her condition. “I’m no longer afraid of it,” she stated, feeling equipped with the knowledge and strategies needed should any issues arise. While she remains vigilant about her health, Pearce strives to keep concerns at bay, opting instead to focus on her well-being, only allowing thoughts of her pericarditis to enter her mind when necessary.
To raise awareness about recurrent pericarditis, Pearce is participating in the Life DisRUPted campaign, shining a light on the importance of understanding and managing health conditions. By sharing her story, she not only empowers herself but also inspires others who may be facing their own health battles.
Carly Pearce’s journey has transformed her relationship with her health, her music, and her fans. What began as a frightening ordeal has since blossomed into an opportunity for growth and connection. As she continues to perform and share her music, Pearce does so with a renewed sense of purpose, embracing each day with a healthy perspective on life and prioritising both her physical and emotional well-being.