Cheryl Strayed, the acclaimed American author whose memoir Wild was adapted into a 2014 film featuring Reese Witherspoon, has cancelled her upcoming public appearances following a serious diagnosis impacting her family. The 57-year-old writer announced on Instagram on Thursday that her spouse of 25 years, filmmaker Brian Lindstrom, has been diagnosed with a “serious, fatal illness.” Strayed apologised to fans as she withdrew from a writing workshop at Kripalu and an speaking engagement at Hunter College planned for the week ahead, stating she must focus on being with her family during this challenging period. The news comes as Strayed’s career continues to flourish, with her advice series made into a 2023 Hulu show.
A Household in Crisis
In her Instagram post, Strayed conveyed the significant influence of Lindstrom’s diagnosis on her family, stressing that she cannot focus on professional commitments whilst managing such a deeply personal tragedy. “I simply cannot do anything but be with my family right now and see to our broken hearts,” she wrote, asking supporters to remember them in their thoughts and prayers. The author’s choice to withdraw from public life highlights the severity of the situation and her dedication to putting first family during this difficult period.
Strayed acknowledged the apparent contradiction of keeping up promotion of content from her podcast, “Mind Over Mountain,” whilst dealing with such distressing news. She clarified that the cheerful podcast clips currently being shared were captured during “simpler, more joyful periods” before Lindstrom’s diagnosis, explaining that it might feel “emotionally jarring” to see such upbeat material amid the family crisis. This openness shows her wish to set appropriate expectations and help her audience understand the timeline of events surrounding her husband’s illness.
- Strayed called off her Kripalu writing workshop recently.
- She withdrew from her scheduled Hunter College appearance.
- Podcast episodes were earlier taped in more positive times.
- The pair has two grown children together.
A Alliance Built Over Decades
Cheryl Strayed and Brian Lindstrom’s relationship stretches across nearly three decades, a bond that has grown into central to both their professional and personal lives. The couple came together in 1995 and have remained together through the peaks and valleys of their respective work in filmmaking and literature. Their sustained relationship has withstood the pressures of creative pursuits, caring for two grown children, and navigating the challenges of public life. Now, as they confront this most recent and significant test, their long-standing bond stands as a wellspring of support during an remarkably demanding period.
The strength of their relationship has created a foundation upon which both have developed their artistic projects. In a 2022 Facebook post, Strayed reflected on their anniversary with typical warmth and modesty, remembering the moment she initially came across Lindstrom. “Met this remarkable person 27 years ago today — essentially half my lifetime ago,” she wrote, revealing the intensity of her connection to him. She noted that she had instantly perceived his significance in her life, recording in her diary the very next day: “I think he’ll be someone to me.” Her prescience about their future together highlights the significant relationship they have maintained.
Finding and Creating a Future Together
The couple’s initial encounter in 1995 marked the beginning of a profound partnership. Strayed’s journal entry from that fateful night reveals the instinctive recognition she experienced upon meeting Lindstrom, despite knowing virtually nothing about him at the time. What began as a chance meeting developed into a lifelong commitment, and the pair proceeded to marry and build a household. Together they have raised two adult children, Bobbi Strayed Lindstrom and Carver Strayed Lindstrom, creating a household that balanced creative ambition with domestic stability.
Throughout their quarter-century of married life, Strayed and Lindstrom have nurtured a existence grounded in reciprocal respect and shared values. Their longevity as a couple demonstrates their dedication to one another and their capacity to manage the complexities of creative careers alongside family responsibilities. The strength of their partnership has been challenged by the demands of Strayed’s growing literary prominence and Lindstrom’s career in documentary filmmaking, yet they have remained steadfast in their commitment to each other and their family.
Shared Support in the Arts
Lindstrom has been vital for bolstering Strayed’s work as an author, serving as her strongest advocate when facing self-doubt. When Strayed was working on her novel “Torch,” Lindstrom’s belief in her artistic vision carried her through the creative journey. In interviews, Strayed has consistently credited him with constant belief, stating: “There’s no doing it without him.” His presence as a sounding board, constructive voice, and supporter has been vital for her evolution as a writer and public figure, highlighting the significant influence of his support on her professional achievements.
Beyond his role as Strayed’s advocate, Lindstrom is an skilled filmmaker in his own right, having directed significant documentaries including “Alien Boy: The Life and Death of James Chasse” and “Lost Angel: The Genius of Judee Sill.” The couple has also collaborated creatively, jointly directing the 2019 film “We Are Forbidden,” which speaks to their ability to work together professionally whilst maintaining their distinct artistic perspectives. Strayed has described him as “an amazing person and an amazing filmmaker,” emphasising her admiration for his artistic abilities and contributions to documentary cinema.
Professional Achievements and Acknowledgement
| Work | Year/Details |
|---|---|
| Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail | Memoir adapted into 2014 film starring Reese Witherspoon, who received an Academy Award nomination |
| Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar | Based on her advice column; adapted into 2023 Hulu series starring Kathryn Hahn |
| Torch | Novel written with significant support from her husband Brian Lindstrom |
| Brave Enough | Published work by Cheryl Strayed |
| We Are Forbidden | 2019 film co-directed by Cheryl Strayed and Brian Lindstrom |
Strayed’s body of work has earned substantial praise and cultural significance, with her works striking a chord with readers globally. Her memoir “Wild” became a cultural phenomenon, introducing millions to her life-changing journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. The subsequent film adaptation brought her story to an larger audience, establishing her position as a significant contemporary voice in American letters. Her additional works, including “Torch” and “Brave Enough,” have similarly established her as a writer skilled in examining profound themes of resilience, personal discovery, and human connection with notable honesty and eloquence.
The Road Ahead
In the face of this deeply significant crisis, Strayed has made the difficult decision to prioritise her family over her work obligations. The postponement of her writing workshop at Kripalu and her planned visit at Hunter College marks a significant change in her priorities, underscoring the gravity of her husband’s condition. She recognised the emotional weight of the situation, noting that fans may find it jarring to see upbeat podcast material continuing to air whilst her family manages this devastating period. However, she clarified that these interviews were captured during happier times, before the diagnosis came to light, providing a glimpse into the sharp difference between her public output and private reality.
The couple’s long-standing partnership has been grounded in mutual support and artistic partnership, with Strayed frequently crediting Lindstrom as her strongest supporter throughout her literary career. As they face this formidable challenge together, their relationship will inevitably be challenged in ways they hadn’t imagined. The writer’s call for understanding and solidarity from her circle speaks to the deep human yearning for empathy during periods of deep grief and uncertainty. Moving forward, Strayed’s focus remains firmly on her family, her shattered heart, and the valuable moments she can share with the man who has supported her for close to three decades.
- Strayed postponed her Kripalu workshop and Hunter College event this week
- She requested support via thoughts, prayers, light and love from those around her
- The couple has been together for nearly 30 years and have two adult children