Colleen Hoover, the author behind the hit novel It Ends with Us, has shared a personal update with her followers on Instagram, revealing that she has been fighting cancer.
The author, who also produced the film adaptation of her bestselling book, posted a behind-the-scenes photo of herself during a radiation treatment session.
In the image, Hoover is seen wearing a blue hospital gown and sporting a messy bun, looking into the mirror with a pained expression.
She shared that she was undergoing what she described as the “second to last day of radiation.”
In typical Hoover fashion, she managed to infuse some humor into the situation, joking about her messy appearance, saying, “I wish I could blame my hair and facial expressions on @Texas.
Oncology, but they’ve been great. Hope you never need them, but highly recommend them.”
A Year of Challenges and Triumphs
Hoover’s year has been a rollercoaster, balancing immense personal struggles with her rising fame.
As the mind behind the It Ends with Us film and other successful works like Regretting You, Hoover has seen her career soar.
Yet, this professional triumph has been marked by behind-the-scenes controversy, particularly regarding It Ends with Us.
Blake Lively, the film’s lead actress, filed a legal complaint alleging sexual harassment and a hostile work environment, claims that cast a shadow over the movie’s success.
Lively’s accusations were directed at the film’s director, Justin Baldoni, and his production company.
Baldoni denied the allegations and countersued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for $400 million, claiming defamation and a smear campaign.
Though much of the countersuit was dismissed by the court, the case remains ongoing, with a January 22 hearing and a trial set for May 18, 2026.
Despite the legal drama surrounding the film, It Ends with Us has still performed well at the box office, grossing $148 million domestically and $350 million globally.
The movie’s plot, adapted from Hoover’s 2016 novel, centers on the turbulent relationship between Lily Bloom (played by Lively) and Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni), with themes of trauma, love, and overcoming toxic relationships.
Health Battle and Missing Milestones
While Hoover has continued to work on her projects, she had hinted at health struggles late in 2025.
She missed key milestones related to the Regretting You film release, writing on Instagram in October that she was having “unavoidable surgery” and couldn’t travel for a while.
She also expressed her sadness about missing the premiere, but was grateful to the team that brought the film to life.
In a subsequent Facebook post, Hoover shared that the surgery had been successful in removing the cancer, and that she was undergoing radiation treatment for further care.
She acknowledged the difficulty of keeping the news private until she knew the outcome, explaining, “While it felt huge and scary for a bit, and I had to miss out on the Regretting You premiere, and some other important career and personal moments, I just wasn’t ready to share with anyone until I knew what the outcome would be.”
Throughout her journey, Hoover has been candid with her followers, offering words of wisdom.
“Listen to your body,” she encouraged, urging fans to seek medical attention if something feels “off.”
Her vulnerability and transparency have endeared her to many, and her followers have rallied behind her with support.
A Legacy of Success Amidst Struggles
Despite the challenges Hoover has faced, both personally and professionally, her legacy continues to grow.
It Ends with Us remains one of the most popular books and films of recent years, and Hoover’s voice continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The film’s cast also included Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, Brandon Sklenar, and Kevin McKidd, contributing to its widespread appeal.
The storyline of It Ends with Us revolves around Lily, a woman overcoming a traumatic childhood, who forms a connection with neurosurgeon Ryle.
As their relationship develops, Lily begins to see troubling signs that remind her of the unhealthy dynamics between her parents.
The film’s success speaks to Hoover’s ability to craft powerful, emotional stories that speak to audiences on a deep level.
Though her health battle has undoubtedly been a difficult chapter, Hoover’s perseverance is evident, and her continued success in both literature and film speaks to her strength and resilience.
What’s Next for Hoover?
As Colleen Hoover continues her cancer treatment, the future holds both challenges and opportunities. The legal drama surrounding It Ends with Us may continue to play out in the courts, but Hoover’s focus remains on her health and her craft. She has proven time and again that she’s not only a talented writer and producer, but a fighter as well.
As she continues her recovery, Hoover’s fans eagerly await what she will do next. With her unique ability to tackle difficult topics with honesty and emotion, there’s no doubt that whatever comes next for her will resonate deeply with those who follow her work.
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