"I Fall To Pieces" Writer Clears Health Hurdle

Oct. 1, 2008 — Legendary songwriter Hank Cochran, who’s penned some of country music’s most enduring songs, has survived a cancer scare and begins chemotherapy treatment in Nashville on Wednesday.

Known for writing such hits as Patsy Cline’s "I Fall To Pieces" and George Strait’s "The Chair," Hank was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June and underwent surgery 11 weeks ago. His latest CT scan found no evidence of cancer remains.

"This was the best news we could hope for," Hank said.

He also expressed thanks to numerous fans who extended their support and best wishes: "It’s what’s kept me going."

Hank, who survived triple-bypass heart surgery in 2005, is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. He was also an original inductee in the Walkway of Stars when the Country Music Hall of Fame opened its first structure in 1967.

He’s had more than 40 Top 15 country hits during his career, including Vern Gosdin’s "Set ‘Em Up Joe," Mickey Gilley’s "That’s All That Matters," Ronnie Milsap’s "Don’t You Ever Get Tired (Of Hurting Me)," Eddy Arnold’s "Make The World Go Away" and Merle Haggard’s "It’s Not Love (But It’s Not Bad)."

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