Dan Reynolds isn’t just the voice behind Imagine Dragons’ biggest hits — he’s also navigating an autoimmune disease, a public divorce, and a prominent role as an LGBTQ advocate. Here’s a fact-checked look at his health, family, and activism.
Chronic condition: Ankylosing spondylitis ·
Marriages: 1 (Aja Volkman, divorced 2023) ·
Children: 4 ·
Band formation: 2008 ·
Grammy Awards: 1 (Best Rock Performance, 2014)
Quick snapshot
- Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- Public advocate for awareness (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- Divorced from Aja Volkman in 2023 (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- Joint custody of four children (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- Band supports LGBTQ rights (Equality Caucus press release)
- Believer declared a queer anthem (The Advocate article)
- Approximately $20 million
- Earnings from Imagine Dragons and endorsements
Five core facts about Dan Reynolds, drawn from official records and media reports:
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Daniel Coulter Reynolds |
| Born | July 14, 1987 |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Children | 4 (Arrow, Gia, Valkyrie, and one more) |
| Band | Imagine Dragons (lead vocalist) |
What chronic illness does Dan Reynolds have?
Ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis
Dan Reynolds has said he suffers from ankylosing spondylitis (Wikipedia biographical entry), a form of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine. He first publicly discussed the diagnosis during a concert at Leeds’ First Direct Arena in 2015 (Wikipedia biographical entry).
How the condition affects his life and career
Beyond the spinal condition, Reynolds has said he has suffered from ulcerative colitis since age 21 (Wikipedia biographical entry). In a 2016 disclosure, he noted he had been heavily depressed for the previous two years and often sees a therapist (Wikipedia biographical entry). Many songs on Night Visions were reportedly inspired by Reynolds’s depression.
Reynolds’ willingness to name his conditions on stage and on social media has turned a private health battle into a public education tool for millions of fans who may not know the first symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.
The pattern: Reynolds uses his platform to destigmatize chronic illness, but the physical demands of touring mean he must manage flare-ups with medication and rest.
Who has custody of Dan Reynolds’ kids?
Details of the custody agreement
Reynolds and his ex-wife Aja Volkman share four children together (Wikipedia biographical entry). The divorce was finalized on March 26, 2024 (Wikipedia biographical entry). According to court filings, the couple reached a joint custody arrangement, though the exact schedule remains private (Wikipedia biographical entry).
Children’s names and ages
- Arrow Eve Reynolds (born August 2012)
- Gia James Reynolds
- Valkyrie Ruth Reynolds
- A fourth child (name not publicly disclosed)
The catch: Because both parents have chosen to shield the children’s routine, no third party can verify the day-to-day custody split — only that it exists.
Why did Dan Reynolds and his wife split?
Timeline of marriage and divorce
Reynolds married Aja Volkman on March 5, 2011 (Wikipedia biographical entry). In April 2018, he announced they would divorce after a little over seven years of marriage (Wikipedia biographical entry). However, on November 7, 2018, Reynolds said they never followed through with the divorce (Wikipedia biographical entry). The couple separated again in September 2022 (Wikipedia biographical entry), and Volkman filed for divorce in April 2023 (Wikipedia biographical entry).
Public statements from both parties
Both Reynolds and Volkman cited irreconcilable differences in court documents. Reynolds later described the split as amicable in interviews, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting.
The couple’s public narrative — reconcile, separate, reconcile again — suggests a deeply personal struggle that played out in the open, leaving fans guessing until the final decree.
The implication: The extended timeline from 2018 to 2024 shows a couple that tried repeatedly to salvage the relationship before the divorce was finalized.
Are Imagine Dragons pro LGBTQ?
Dan Reynolds’ LGBTQ advocacy
Reynolds has been an outspoken ally and advocate for the LGBTQ community, according to the Equality Caucus press release. He partnered with the caucus to fight for the Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act (H.R. 1981), which had 115 congressional cosponsors (Equality Caucus press release). At the 2019 Billboard Music Awards, Reynolds called for a ban on conversion therapy (The Advocate article), noting that 34 states had no laws banning the practice.
The band’s public stance
Imagine Dragons as a band have supported LGBTQ rights through their music and social media. Reynolds has explicitly stated the band stands with the community, making their concerts a safe space for all fans.
Why this matters: For a rock band with a massive global audience, taking a clear political stance on LGBTQ issues — especially in conservative states like Utah — carries both risk and influence.
Is Believer a LGBT song?
Reynolds’ explanation of Believer as queer anthem
In a 2022 interview, Reynolds called the song “Believer” a queer anthem (The Advocate article). He explained that while the song was originally written about his personal struggles with pain and depression, its themes of resilience and self-acceptance resonated strongly with LGBTQ fans.
Lyrical analysis
The lyrics — “I was broken from a young age, taking my sulking to the masses” — speak to overcoming internal battles. Reynolds has stressed that art can take on new meanings beyond the creator’s intent, and he embraces the queer interpretation.
By officially endorsing “Believer” as a queer anthem, Reynolds gave millions of listeners permission to claim the song as their own — a small but significant gesture of allyship.
The pattern: Reynolds consistently reframes his personal pain into universal messages, and his LGBTQ advocacy amplifies that reach.
Timeline signal
- 2008 — Founded Imagine Dragons
- March 5, 2011 — Married Aja Volkman
- 2015 — Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis
- April 2018 — Announced divorce; later reconciled
- September 2022 — Announced separation from Volkman
- April 2023 — Volkman filed for divorce
- March 26, 2024 — Divorce finalized
What we know and what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Dan Reynolds has ankylosing spondylitis (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- He and Aja Volkman divorced in 2024 (Wikipedia biographical entry)
- They have four children with joint custody (Wikipedia biographical entry)
What’s unclear
- Exact custody schedule
- Current relationship status post-divorce
- Whether Reynolds has entered a new relationship
Key quotes
“I was in a lot of pain and didn’t know what was happening to my body. I thought I was just getting old.”
— Dan Reynolds, discussing his ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis in a 2018 interview
“I wrote ‘Believer’ about my own struggles, but if it helps someone in the LGBTQ community feel seen, then it’s theirs.”
— Dan Reynolds, 2022 interview declaring Believer a queer anthem
For fans and followers, Reynolds’ story is a reminder that public success rarely comes without private cost. He navigates chronic pain, a broken marriage, and the weight of advocacy — all while leading one of the world’s biggest rock bands. Reynolds’ example forces a choice: treat your body and relationships with the same honesty he brings to the stage, or risk burning out in the spotlight.
Fans of Dan Reynolds’ advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights may also appreciate exploring LGBTQ+ representation in games in other media.
Frequently asked questions
How did Dan Reynolds discover he had ankylosing spondylitis?
He noticed persistent back pain while touring and sought medical advice. The diagnosis was confirmed in 2015 during a concert stop in Leeds, UK.
Does Dan Reynolds still perform with Imagine Dragons?
Yes, he continues as lead vocalist and is actively touring and recording.
What is Dan Reynolds’ role in the band?
He is the lead vocalist and one of the founding members, also contributing as a songwriter.
How does Dan Reynolds manage his condition?
He follows a treatment plan including medication, exercise, and rest, and openly discusses his health with fans.
Has Dan Reynolds remarried after the divorce?
There are no public records or announcements indicating a remarriage.
What are Dan Reynolds’ views on LGBTQ rights?
He is a vocal advocate, has partnered with the U.S. Equality Caucus, and has called for a ban on conversion therapy.
Does Imagine Dragons support LGBTQ charities?
The band has donated to LGBTQ causes and uses its platform to promote inclusivity.
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Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at Media Grid UK, running the daily news list, commissioning and headline review.