TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — After a long battle with COVID-19, Sonya Bryson-Kirksey, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s national anthem singer, has been released from the hospital.
Friends, family members, and staff cheered at Bryson-Kirksey walked off the elevator, embraced her husband, and left James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.
Despite being vaccinated, Sonya contracted COVID-19 and spent the last few weeks battling the highly contagious delta variant. She spent some time in the ICU after her condition took a turn for the worse.
Sonya was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years ago, which made her more vulnerable to the virus. Her husband told 8 On Your Side she wanted to strongly encourage others to get vaccinated to help save lives.
People from across Tampa Bay shared messages of love and support for Sonya with 8 On Your Side. The singer said she was grateful for the well-wishes, and wanted to respond to each person individually, but that her doctors had wanted her to focus on her rest, breathing and healing.
