Andy Williams revealed that he is battling cancer.
The performer announced that he had bladder cancer during a Christmas show in Missouri this past Saturday.
“I do have cancer of the bladder,” Williams said. “But that is no longer a death sentence. People with cancer are getting through this thing. They’re kicking it, and they’re winning more and more every year. And I’m going to be one of them.”
According to Reuters, Williams told the crowd he would return in 2012 to celebrate his 75th year in the entertainment industry.
“I’m going to do the shows I’ve planned to do,” he said.
According to the Huffington Post, this past year, Williams missed several shows due to undisclosed health reasons and was expected to miss most of the holiday schedule.
Williams’ Saturday appearance came to a surprise to the crowd and brought them to their feet.
The 83-year-old singer is best known for his renditions of “Butterfly,” and “Where Do I Begin?” His most famous rendition by far, was “Moon River.” His music has earned him 18 gold and three platinum albums throughout his over 70-year career.
He also hosted a television show on NBC until 1971 called “The Andy Williams Show.” According to the L.A. Times, He also anchored the first live telecast of the Grammy Awards in 1971 and went on to host six more, the most in Grammy history.
He also published an autobiography, “Moon River and Me: A Memoir,” in 2009.
With the Associated Press
