Tulsi Gabbard breaks down in tears during update on husband's tragic cancer diagnosis

By SAMANTHA LOREN, US POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 23:46, 20 August 2026 | Updated: 23:48, 20 August 2026 Tulsi Gabbard became emotional as she shared an encouraging but deeply personal update on her husband Abraham Williams' recovery from an extraordinarily rare form of cancer. In a video shared on her social media, Gabbard updated her followers on the difficult treatment he has undergone in recent months — including major surgery to remove cancerous bone and tissue. Williams was diagnosed with sacral chordoma, a rare cancer that develops in the sacrum at the base of the spine.  Gabbard said doctors are confident that they were able to remove all of the cancerous bone and tissue during Williams' lengthy operation. 'A few weeks after the surgery was done, pathologists and the doctor said that they were confident they were able to cut out all of the cancerous bone and tissue,' Gabbard said. Williams underwent major surgery lasting nearly seven hours to remove the affected bone and surrounding tissue. Gabbard described the hours immediately afterward as particularly difficult, saying he had been under heavy anesthesia for almost eight hours. In May 2026, she announced that she was stepping down as Director of National Intelligence so she could focus on supporting her husband through his treatment and recovery. A tearful Tulsi Gabbard is embraced by her husband, Abraham, who underwent hours long surgery for sacral chordoma, a rare cancer that develops in the sacrum at the base of the spine Although doctors believe they successfully removed the cancerous tissue, Gabbard cautioned supporters against viewing the surgery as the end of the battle In May, Gabbard she announced that she was stepping down as Director of National Intelligence so she could focus on supporting her husband through his treatment and recovery 'His body, as he started to come out, started reacting to the drugs that were in his body. It was tough,' she said. Despite the pain and complications of recovery, Gabbard said Williams remained determined to get back on his feet. 'He would take a few steps. He would throw up as he was trying to walk around. But he kept going.' Williams has since continued with physical therapy as he works to regain his strength and mobility. 'Overall, Abraham is progressing very well,' she said. There is still a long road ahead, however. Although doctors believe they successfully removed the cancerous tissue, Gabbard cautioned supporters against viewing the surgery as the end of the battle. 'The reality is that the battle isn't over yet,' she said. Williams will need to undergo frequent MRI scans to monitor him for any indication that the cancer has returned, either at the original site or elsewhere in his body. Gabbard has repeatedly described Williams as her partner and source of strength throughout their marriage. With his recovery still underway, she has made clear that her priority is being beside him. During the emotional update, Gabbard also spoke about the role of faith in helping the couple through the ordeal. 'We are so grateful to God for His unconditional love, for being our shelter, for being our peace and our strength,' she said. She also thanked the doctors caring for Williams and the many people who have offered prayers and support. 'Mahalo for all of the love and support,' she said. Then, as Gabbard became visibly emotional, Williams stepped in to comfort her. He embraced his wife and told her, 'Love you, darlin'.' Since leaving office, Gabbard has largely stayed out of the political spotlight as she stands by her husband during his cancer recovery. But she has not gone completely quiet. After Anthony Fauci appeared before Congress last month and repeatedly invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during questioning over the government's handling of COVID-19, Gabbard accused Fauci of misleading Congress and said that intelligence officials helped suppress information about the pandemic's origins.