Award-Winning Country Radio Host Bob Kingsley Dies From Bladder Cancer

Award-Winning Country Radio Host Bob Kingsley Dies From Bladder Cancer | Classic Country Music | Legendary Stories and Songs Videos

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For the past 60 years, country music fans have heard a familiar voice across the radio waves.

Bob Kingsley was the longtime host of Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, as well as American Country Countdown from 1978-2006.

On October 9th, Kingsley announced via a letter on his website, that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer and would be stepping away form the mic for a bit to seek treatment.

He wrote, “I have always prided myself in delivering the truth to you—my friends in the Country music industry, my fellow radio broadcasters, and all of the loyal listeners around the world—and today, well, today the truth does not come in the form of a story behind the song, or anything else, but in the reality of what is going on with yours truly. I want to let you know that I have been diagnosed with bladder cancer.”

Kingsley continued, “I have no intention of stopping anytime soon, but for a moment, I need to ask for your patience as I step away from the mic and focus on my treatment.”

Sadly, he passed away eight days after the letter was published to his fans. He was 80 years old.

Kingsley entered the Country Radio Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1998 and National Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. Kingsley’s legacy extends to the Grand Ole Opry, where he’s the namesake and first recipient of the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award. Presented each year since 2014, this honor benefits the Opry Trust Fund.

Kingley was beloved by the country music community.

In 2014, Garth Brooks said, “All of our greatest memories have his name attached to them.”

“He was a friend,” Kenny Chesney told The Tennessean. “Not just an associate within the business, but a true friend. He was also a true friend of the genre of country music and it will never be the same without his voice. I am going to miss him.”

Keith Urban posted a tribute on social media.

Take a look at some other tributes below.

A celebration of Kingsley’s life will be held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Nov. 14th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Kingsley’s name to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund.

Kingsley is survived by his wife, Nan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her, his family, and his friends.

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