Country legend Ray Price has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 87. Iconic country crooner and bandleader Ray Price died at his ranch outside Mount Pleasant, Texas on Dec. 16, according to close friend and country radio figure Bill Mack, who spoke on behalf of Ray’s family. The singer’s death comes days after he decided to end his cancer treatments and retire to hospice care at home on Dec. 12. Ray, who was known for having one of the all-time greatest voices in country music, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011, and it had recently spread to his liver, intestines and lungs, the Associated Press reports.
When Ray began his hospice care, his wife of 45 years, Janie Price, shared his “final message” to his fans: “I love my fans and have devoted my life to reaching out to them. I appreciate their support all these years, and I hope I haven’t let them down. I am at peace. I love Jesus. I’m going to be just fine. Don’t worry about me. I’ll see you again one day.” Ray, who had more than 100 hit songs, revolutionized the country genre in the 1950s with classic tracks such as “Crazy Arms” and “City Lights.”
Ray is perhaps best known for his 1970 version of the Kris Kristofferson song “For the Good Times,” and for his connection to country great Hank Williams, with whom he toured the country and co-wrote his hit song ”Weary Blues (From Waiting)”.False reports that Ray had died surfaced on Dec. 16 prior to his passing, after a Facebook post from the ailing crooner’s son Cliff Price prematurely confirmed his death.
Cliff later backtracked, saying that he had been “deceived by some cruel people” and that Ray was still alive, but barely hanging on, according to Rolling Stone. “I believe I have been deceived by some cruel people and they need to stop this,” Cliff wrote on Dec. 15. “I understand my Dads is still alive but barely hanging on. -Hollywood
