Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard shared a deeply personal update Thursday on her husband Abraham Williams’ battle against an extraordinarily rare form of bone cancer.
In an emotional video, Gabbard revealed that Abraham was diagnosed earlier this year with sacral chordoma—a rare cancerous tumor that develops near the base of the spine.
“Earlier this year, my husband Abraham was diagnosed with a very rare bone cancer,” Gabbard wrote.
“This has been a challenging time for us and is hard to talk about. But so many of you have reached out asking how he’s doing, and sharing your prayers and well wishes with us.”
“We made this video to share a little about what this journey has been like, and to update you on his recovery. Mahalo for all of the love and support,” she added.
The couple faced a difficult choice: extremely invasive surgery to remove the bottom portion of his sacrum and tailbone, or radiation. They chose surgery and moved quickly.
The operation lasted nearly eight hours under heavy anesthesia. Gabbard described the immediate aftermath as frightening as Abraham’s body reacted to the drugs. Yet that same night, the tough Hawaiian refused narcotic pain medication and insisted on getting up and walking, throwing up as he forced himself to take steps.
“We’ve had too many friends who’ve become addicted to opioids because of pain meds,” Gabbard later noted. Abraham pushed through the post-operative agony without them.
Weeks later came the best news: pathologists and doctors confirmed they were confident they had cut out all the cancerous bone and tissue.
Nearly three months later, Abraham is in rigorous physical therapy. He gets frustrated wanting faster progress and sometimes pushes too hard, but Gabbard said he is “progressing very well.”
“The reality is that the battle isn’t over yet,” she stressed. “Even as Abraham’s recovery continues, we are going to have to keep a very close eye on this. He’ll have to continue to get frequent MRIs to keep an eye on whether or not this cancer is coming back either in the same place or in other parts of his body.”
The couple closed the video with an emotional hug. Abraham told his wife, “Love you, darlin’.” She replied, “I love you.” Gabbard also gave thanks to God “for his unconditional love, for being our shelter, for being our peace and our strength.”
WATCH:
Earlier this year, my husband Abraham was diagnosed with a very rare bone cancer. This has been a challenging time for us and is hard to talk about. But so many of you have reached out asking how he’s doing, and sharing your prayers and well wishes with us. We made this video… pic.twitter.com/kcVfzJyncI
— Tulsi Gabbard 🌺 (@TulsiGabbard) August 20, 2026
This update comes months after Gabbard resigned as President Trump’s Director of National Intelligence in late May so she could stand fully by her husband’s side.
In her resignation letter she called Abraham her “rock” through military deployments, campaigns, and public service, writing that she could not ask him to face the fight alone while she remained in the demanding role.
President Trump praised her service, saying she had done “an incredible job” and that she “rightfully” wanted to be with her husband.
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