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'Bachelorette' star reveals brain tumor diagnosis after routine health scan
By Lauryn Overhultz
Published July 14, 2026
This reality TV star thought a routine health scan would bring peace of mind.
Instead, the "Bachelor in Paradise" star revealed it uncovered what appears to be an early-stage brain tumor, sending him on a whirlwind journey that will require brain surgery.
The shocking discovery began with what Joe Amabile expected would be a routine full-body scan.
FORMER REALITY STAR OPENS UP ABOUT NEW DIAGNOSIS AFTER YEARS-LONG HEALTH ORDEAL
Joe Amabile was diagnosed with a brain tumor. (Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for SCAD)
"So, a little medical update. I didn’t share my Prenuvo results because they ended up finding a lesion in my brain," he said in a video shared to Instagram. "So, then I had to go get a brain MRI, and there was a blueberry-sized lesion in my brain that looks to be a glioma, which is a tumor."
The additional testing quickly led to a treatment plan. Amabile revealed he would undergo a craniotomy in two weeks to remove the tumor so doctors could test it.
"So, I now need to get brain surgery [in two weeks] to get it removed and get it tested, and then we’re gonna go from there," he explained. "So, it’s been a wild couple weeks. Definitely wasn’t expecting this."
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Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt met during "Bachelor in Paradise." (Phillip Faraone/Getty Images)
Reflecting on the whirlwind diagnosis, Amabile said he never expected to find himself in this position.
"I think it’s one of those things where you’re like, ‘Oh, something like this'll never happen to me,’ and here I am," he said. "They say it’s really early stages. I hope they are able to get it all, and I’m fine. But I will keep you updated."
The former "Bachelorette" contestant shared additional details in the caption of his video. Amabile also reflected on the emotional toll of the diagnosis.
"I’m doing my best to stay positive during this time and am lucky to have a lot of support from family and friends," he added.
"I’ve gone back and forth about what I wanted to share on social media but ultimately, this is now part of my life now, so might as well. Onto a new journey."
Joe Amabile and Serena Pitt got engaged during the seventh season of "Bachelor in Paradise." (Stephanie Augello/WWD via Getty Images)
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Serena Pitt and Joe Amabile married in 2022. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Amabile first won fans over as "Grocery Store Joe" after a brief but memorable appearance on Becca Kufrin's season of "The Bachelorette" in 2018.
His popularity skyrocketed on "Bachelor in Paradise," where he found lasting love. Amabile and Serena Pitt are one of Bachelor Nation’s biggest success stories.
The couple met on Season 7 of "Bachelor in Paradise" and got engaged during the 2021 finale. Amabile and Pitt surprised fans by marrying in a New York City courthouse on Oct. 27, 2022. They later hosted a larger wedding ceremony with loved ones in September 2023.
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