'Moon River' Crooner Andy Williams Has Cancer

'No longer a death sentence,' says 83-year-old
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 6, 2011 6:04 AM CST
Andy Williams Cancer: 'Moon River' Singer Says He Has Bladder Cancer
Andy Williams smiles as he speaks to reporters during his news conference at a Tokyo hotel, in this July 25, 2004 file photo.   (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi, File)

Singer Andy Williams told the crowd at his Christmas show last night that he has bladder cancer. The 83-year-old Williams appeared early in the show at the Moon River Theatre and vowed to return next year to celebrate his 75th year in show business. "I'm going to do the shows I've planned to do," he said. "I do have cancer of the bladder. But that is no longer a death sentence. People with cancer are getting through this thing. And I'm going to be one of them."

The golden-voiced singer had a string of hits in the 1950s and '60s, including "Can't Get Used to Losing You" and "Butterfly," but he is best known for his version of "Moon River." He earned 18 gold and three platinum albums in his career. Williams hosted annual Christmas specials on television and performed Christmas shows on the road for many years. His 1963 recording, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year," is a Christmas standard. (More Andy WIlliams cancer stories.)

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