Lee Starkey, age 55, recently underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor. The operation took place at a major medical center, and surgeons successfully removed most of the tumor. She’s currently recovering under close medical supervision .
🧠 Her History with Brain Tumors
- 1995 (age 24): Lee collapsed at her father’s home in England and was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor (ependymoma). She was subsequently treated at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston—surgery removed the tumor, followed by radiation—and she recovered well .
- 2001 (age 31): The tumor recurred and she again returned to Boston for surgery and further treatment, successfully beating it a second time .
- Post-recovery, Lee has lived a largely private life in Britain, working in fashion and makeup, and starting a family with partner Jay Mehler—they have triplets .
Current Situation
RINGO STARR’S DAUGHTER, LEE STARKEY, UNDERGOES CANCER SURGERY IN BRAVE BATTLE AGAINST BRAIN TUMOR
June 16, 2025 | London, England
— In a deeply personal and emotional update that has resonated with Beatles fans around the world, Lee Starkey — the youngest daughter of Ringo Starr — has undergone major brain surgery after the re-emergence of a life-threatening brain tumor. The 55-year-old fashion designer and mother of triplets is currently recovering after what doctors have called a “delicate but successful” operation at a London medical center.
Lee Starkey has bravely faced this health battle before. Her first diagnosis came in 1995 at just 24 years old when she collapsed at her father’s Surrey home. Doctors diagnosed her with a rare brain tumor known as an ependymoma. She was flown to Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she underwent extensive surgery and radiation therapy. Remarkably, she recovered and returned to a relatively normal life.
However, her ordeal didn’t end there. In 2001, Lee’s tumor recurred. Once again, she returned to Boston for treatment. A second operation was performed, and the resilient Starkey beat the odds once more. She spent the following decades largely out of the spotlight, dedicating herself to the fashion industry and her family.
Her latest health scare reportedly began earlier this year, when Lee began experiencing symptoms that were all too familiar. According to sources close to the family, she suffered from persistent headaches, visual disturbances, and periods of dizziness. A brain scan confirmed that her tumor had returned, necessitating urgent surgical intervention.
Surgeons at a leading London neurological institute performed the operation, successfully removing the majority of the mass. While the situation remains serious, early signs suggest the operation was effective, and Lee is responding well to post-operative care.
Ringo Starr, now 84, has remained by his daughter’s side throughout the ordeal. In a heartfelt statement released through his publicist, the former Beatles drummer expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support his family has received:
“Lee is the strongest person I know. She’s been through this battle before with incredible courage and grace. Our family is once again leaning on each other, and we’re grateful to the doctors, nurses, and all those who have sent prayers and positive energy. Peace and love to you all.”
Lee’s siblings — Zak, Jason, and Francesca — have also rallied around their sister. Zak Starkey, a world-renowned drummer in his own right, flew in from Los Angeles to be with the family during the surgery and recovery process.
Fans across the globe have taken to social media to offer their prayers, tributes, and support for Lee. The Beatles’ devoted fan base — one of the most enduring and passionate in music history — has united in solidarity, sharing photos, messages, and memories of Lee over the years.
Though not as public a figure as her famous father, Lee has carved out her own path. She has worked as a stylist and fashion consultant, admired for her creative eye and quiet resilience. In 2009, she welcomed triplets with her longtime partner, Jay Mehler, a musician known for his work with Kasabian and Beady Eye. Their family has remained grounded despite their connections to rock royalty.
Medical experts familiar with Lee’s condition say that while ependymomas are rare and difficult to treat, her history of responding well to previous surgeries gives reason for optimism. “Given her past recoveries and the experience of her medical team, there is cautious hope for another positive outcome,” said Dr. Alistair Jenkins, a London-based neurosurgeon not directly involved in the case.
In the weeks ahead, Lee will likely undergo further treatments, possibly including targeted radiation or chemotherapy, depending on pathology results. Her medical team will closely monitor her recovery and assess the need for additional interventions.
The Starkey family has requested privacy as Lee continues her recovery. However, they have also acknowledged the deep connection between their family and the public, especially those who have followed Ringo Starr’s legendary career and supported his children through their personal journeys.
As messages continue to pour in from all corners of the world — from Liverpool to Los Angeles — one thing is clear: Lee Starkey’s story is one of strength, perseverance, and an unbreakable bond between father and daughter.
In a world often defined by celebrity headlines and fleeting fame, the courage displayed by Lee and her family reminds us all of the enduring power of love, unity, and hope — even in the darkest of times.
#GetWellSoonLee and #PeaceAndLove have begun trending on social media platforms, as fans and well-wishers continue to send strength to the Starkey family.
Ringo Starr, famously known for his iconic Beatles message of “Peace and Love,” is once again showing the world that those words are more than a catchphrase — they are a way of life.
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