With heavy hearts, we report the sad news about the beloved singer Cyndi Lauper.

Cyndi Lauper, the iconic artist known for her 1983 hit “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” has long been an inspiration for women of all ages with her message of self-expression and individuality. Lauper’s quirky, carefree persona, vibrant fashion sense, and distinctive colorful hair make her a symbol of confidence and authenticity.

Behind her upbeat music and distinctive voice, Lauper faces a serious challenge: psoriasis, a chronic skin condition she was diagnosed with in 2010. At one point, the condition was so severe it felt like “someone threw boiling water” on her skin. Psoriasis affects approximately 8 million people in the U.S. and 125 million worldwide, causing symptoms like pain, itching, and scaly patches. For Lauper, it began with scalp irritation, which she initially attributed to frequent hair coloring, but soon escalated into more serious discomfort.

Despite her struggles, Lauper continues to be a dynamic figure in both music and advocacy. In addition to her music career, where she has received numerous awards including a Tony, two Grammys, and an Emmy, she is a passionate advocate for human rights, inspired by her sister Ellen’s experience as a lesbian. She wrote the song “Above the Clouds” for Matthew Shepard, a gay student murdered in Wyoming, and founded the “True Colors” tour to support LGBT charities.

Lauper’s achievements extend beyond advocacy and music. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and was a special guest at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration for her humanitarian efforts. Her resilience in the face of psoriasis is evident; during some of her most challenging times, such as while writing the Tony Award-winning score for the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots,” she remained undeterred.

Lauper is candid about managing her condition, discussing her journey with the American Academy of Dermatology. She emphasizes the importance of managing stress, which can trigger psoriasis flare-ups, and shares her holistic approach, including practices like reiki, meditation, yoga, and spending time outdoors with her family. Lauper encourages others to prioritize self-care, even if it starts with just five minutes a day.

In 2017, Lauper spoke about her experience with psoriasis, noting the invisibility of the condition and the stigma that often surrounds it. She also hosts a podcast, “PsO in the Know,” where she discusses living with psoriasis alongside celebrities, advocates, and patients, aiming to raise awareness and provide support.

Other celebrities, like Kim Kardashian and her mother Kris Jenner, have also been open about their struggles with psoriasis, highlighting the widespread nature of the condition.

Cyndi Lauper’s bravery and advocacy make her an invaluable role model. Her talents and journey continue to inspire many, proving that challenges can be met with resilience and grace.