Award-winning actress, musician, and dancer Teyana Taylor has revealed she will undergo emergency surgery after doctors discovered a non-cancerous growth on her vocal cords. The 34-year-old broke the news via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, August 5, informing fans of her recent health scare while reassuring them that her highly anticipated album Escape Room will still be released as planned on August 22.
“I’ve been quietly dealing with some vocal challenges for a while now,” Taylor wrote. “And after a lot of back and forth with my doctors, I’ve been told I need vocal surgery immediately.” She added that the growth has caused ongoing discomfort and impacted her voice but confirmed it is treatable.
While expressing heartbreak over having to cancel upcoming appearances including a podcast with former First Lady Michelle Obama — Taylor emphasized that Escape Room remains on track. “I don’t take lightly what it means to show up for y’all,” she stated. “I’ve poured so much of myself into this next chapter, especially Escape Room, which is still dropping August 22!”
Taylor described the album as her most personal body of work to date. Featuring 22 tracks, the project includes previously released singles “Bed of Roses” and “Long Time,” alongside skits from notable personalities like Issa Rae and Lala Anthony. The title Escape Room appears to have taken on new meaning for the artist, who remarked on the irony of facing a personal “escape room” situation of her own just as the album was nearing release.
“Life handed me my own unexpected ‘escape room’, one I didn’t ask for,” she wrote, “but one I now have to find my way out of with patience, rest, and faith.”
Fans and fellow artists have since flooded social media with messages of support and well wishes. As Taylor prepares for surgery and recovery, her openness and determination have inspired many, proving once again her commitment not only to her art but to her audience.
