Porter Wagoner Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

Grand Ole Opry star Porter Wagoner.

October 21, 2007 — A Grand Ole Opry publicist reports that Opry star Porter Wagoner has been diagnosed with lung cancer and remains hospitalized at a Nashville hospital.

Porter has been in the hospital since Wednesday, but doctors have yet to diagnose what's wrong with him, his daughter, Debra Jean, told Nashville's WKRN-TV last week.

The 80-year-old Grand Ole Opry star and spokesman was admitted to the hospital for observation, and he was downgraded to serious condition on October 18.

Debra Jean said her dad is very physically weak, but his mind is still sharp. He even joked about the seemingly endless battery of tests doctors are putting him through.

"They've taken so much blood out of me," Porter said. "Why don't they shoot me and get all the blood at one time?"

Debra Jean said Porter appreciates all the prayers and good wishes the family has received this week. The Opry had earlier released this statement: "Porter is in serious condition at a local hospital and is asking for prayers from his friends and fans."

Last summer, Porter suffered a near-fatal abdominal aneurysm that slowed him down for months, but he recovered and made a highly acclaimed new album, Wagonmaster with Marty Stuart.

"Put Porter on your prayer list because he is not feeling good whatsoever," Marty said, according to The Tennessean. "I saw him two nights ago, and he just seemed to be really weak."

"Porter is a much-loved icon at the Opry," said Pete Fisher, Opry vice-president and general manager. "We are very hopeful for his return to the Opry stage soon."