Indie icon Sufjan Stevens has opened up about life after the heartbreaking death of his partner and his personal health struggles, revealing that while he’s “okay,” he’s still not ready to return to touring.
The 49-year-old singer-songwriter, known for acclaimed albums like Illinois and Carrie & Lowell, lost his partner Evans Richardson in April 2023. Later that same year, Stevens was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare neurological condition that causes muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis.
Speaking to Vulture, Stevens shared an emotional update on his life today:
“I’m okay… I’ve had some pretty difficult things happen to me, so I’m in a state of repair and survival. I’m not really in any state of mind or any position to go on tour yet.”
While fans have eagerly hoped for a return to live performances, Stevens made it clear that he’s taking his recovery and healing one day at a time.
“I’m starting to see the light. I’m starting to feel a sense of direction toward something meaningful and substantial,” he said. “I’ve been focusing on the moment and on things that feel very silly and Zen: serenity and acceptance and duty and stewardship.”
A New Rhythm of Life
Instead of touring, Stevens is embracing a quieter, more grounded lifestyle filled with gardening, dog-walking, and even the challenges of home maintenance.
“It’s been two years of a shitshow, but I’m okay,” he admitted.
The artist has also taken on a larger role behind the scenes as the primary owner of his independent label, Asthmatic Kitty Records, following the retirement of co-founder Lowell Brams.
“I’m doing a lot of ordinary, mundane adulting,” Stevens said. “The other day, I had to get a septic pump replaced. I’ve got seedlings under grow lights in the garage.”
