Hank Thompson photo courtesy of The Bray Agency.
November 7, 2007 — The Huntsville Times reports that country singer Hank Thompson, who had 29 hits reach the Top 10 between 1948 and 1974, has died of lung cancer just days after canceling a tour, his spokesman said Wednesday.
Hank, 82, died late Tuesday at his home in the Fort Worth suburb of Keller, said Tracy Pitcox, who is also president of Heart of Texas Records.
Just last week, Hank canceled the rest of his tour after being hospitalized.
"He was battling aggressive lung cancer," Pitcox said in a statement. "He remained conscious until the last couple of hours and passed away peacefully at about 10:45 p.m. on Tuesday night surrounded by his friends and family."
In 1952, his album "The Wild Side of Life" reached No. 1. Some of his most famous songs include "Humpty Dumpty Heart" and "A Six Pack to Go."
The last show Hank played was October 8 in his native Waco. That day was declared "Hank Thompson Day" by Gov. Rick Perry and Waco Mayor Virginia DuPuy.
Thompson's website, hankthompson.com, posted this message:
There will be a celebration of Hank's life and all of his fans are invited. The event will be held on November 14, 2007 at Billy Bob's Texas, 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft Worth, Texas. Time: 2:00PM until ?
Hank's wife, Ann, has requested that, in lieu of flowers, a donation in Hank's name be made to The Heart of Texas Country Music Museum, 1701 Bridge St, Brady, TX 76825, or your favorite charity.