Missy Elliott is gearing up for her first headlining tour, the Out of This World Tour. Despite her excitement for the tour, she has been candid about her struggles. The “Get Ur Freak On” singer said that she has been dealing with Graves’ disease for the past 16 years.
According to People, the speaker expressed optimism about her upcoming trip and discussed how being diagnosed with the cancer in 2008 altered her profession and personal life. The Virginia native expressed thankfulness for her resilience in dealing with Graves’ disease, stating that she is “blessed to be here”. She acknowledged the drug for making her feel better.
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects thyroid function, according to Yale Medicine. Graves’ illness, which causes fatigue, hair and weight loss, irregular pulse, and anxiety, affects around one percent of the population in the United States. There is no cure for Graves’ illness, although there are therapies that can help control it.
Missy Elliott revealed insights into her morning routine while managing the ailment, as well as how it sparked fresh ideas for her upcoming Out of This World Tour.
“Every day I wake, I’m blessed to be here and in good health,” she told me. “I feel so much better now. It was a run. I occasionally experience little aches in my legs or knees, but otherwise feel well.
“Listen, every morning my regimen is I get up, wash my face, brush my teeth, and walk,” she told me. “I say my prayers while walking, and then all of these thoughts come to mind. I’ll contact everyone and say, ‘I want to swing from this,’ and they’ll ask, ‘Do you realize how much it costs?”
Missy Elliott’s 2024 Out of This World Tour will be her first since 2004 when she joined Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Tamia on the Verizon Ladies First Tour. Her last album, The Cookbook, came out in 2005. Missy Elliott’s absence from touring was primarily due to her fight with Graves’ disease.
In April, she announced her upcoming tour, which will include Ciara and Busta Rhymes.Missy Elliott announced the news on Instagram with a sci-fi-themed trailer, writing, “This is an incredible time in my life as I am experiencing so many milestone ‘firsts.'” Being the first female hip-hop artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and now embarking on my first headline tour.”
“Fans have been begging me to tour for a long time, but I wanted to wait until the timing was right because I knew if I was going to do it, it had to be large and with family! So prepare to be transported OUT OF THIS WORLD with me,” she said. “Busta Rhymes, Ciara, & Timbaland! We can’t wait to share this event with our fans!”