Muni Long's Lupus Journey Highlights the Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Published: July 27th, 2026

By: Just Listen to Us (JL2US)

Grammy Award-winning singer Muni Long is once again using her voice to inspire others—this time by sharing one of the most difficult chapters of her life. During a recent interview on Good Morning America, Long revealed that she underwent a life-saving double lung transplant after doctors told her she had just one week to live without the procedure.

Long, who was diagnosed with lupus in 2014, said she spent much of 2025 pushing through worsening health problems while performing as an opening act on Brandy and Monica's The Boy Is Mine Tour. As the tour continued, her lupus symptoms became increasingly severe, and she developed pneumonia that left her too weak to perform. During her final show, she was only able to complete two songs before returning home to recover.

Instead of getting better, her condition rapidly declined. After being hospitalized, a team of specialists delivered devastating news: without a double lung transplant, she had approximately one week to live. Faced with an unimaginable decision, Long chose to undergo the surgery.

Today, about six months after her transplant, she says she is recovering well, has experienced no major complications, and is optimistic about returning to music. While her voice has changed following surgery, she has shared that it may actually be stronger than before. Most importantly, she hopes her experience reminds others to prioritize their health.

Understanding Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissues and organs. Because it can affect nearly every part of the body—including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood vessels—symptoms vary widely from person to person.

Common symptoms include:

• Extreme fatigue

• Joint pain and swelling

• Fever

• Skin rashes

• Mouth sores

• Hair loss

• Chest pain

• Inflammation throughout the body

  
  

Although there is currently no cure for lupus, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups, and prevent permanent organ damage.

Lupus and Black Women

Lupus affects people of every race and ethnicity, but Black women are disproportionately impacted. Research has consistently shown that Black women are more likely to develop lupus, are often diagnosed at younger ages, and frequently experience more severe disease and complications than other populations.

These disparities highlight the importance of improving access to healthcare, increasing awareness, supporting medical research, and ensuring that symptoms are recognized and taken seriously.

A Powerful Reminder

Muni Long's story is about much more than surviving a life-threatening illness. It is a reminder that chronic autoimmune diseases can become life-threatening, even for people who appear healthy and successful.

Her willingness to speak openly about her experience helps shine a light on lupus—a disease that often goes misunderstood or overlooked. By sharing her journey, she is helping others recognize symptoms earlier, seek medical care, and understand the importance of listening to their bodies.

At Just Listen to Us, we believe stories like Muni Long's are critical to advancing health equity. Raising awareness can lead to earlier diagnoses, better treatment, more research funding, and ultimately better outcomes for the communities most affected.

Read the original ABC News interview: Muni Long opens up about lupus battle, lung transplant and recovery