Grammy award winner B.J. Thomas has stage four lung cancer. The 78-year-old singer announced the news in a statement on Tuesday, explaining that he is undergoing treatment at a Texas health care facility and is feeling hopeful about making a full recovery.
"I just wanted to take this unique opportunity to share my gratitude to Gloria, my wonderful wife and my rock for over 53 years, my family, friends, and fans," he added. "I’m so blessed to have had the opportunity to record and perform beautiful songs in pop, country, and gospel music, and to share those wonderful songs and memories around the world with millions of you. I ask all of you for your prayers during this time and that my music can live on with you."
Thomas' distinctive voice earned him five Grammy Awards throughout his decades-long career and his 1969 hit single, "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014, according to People. To date, Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide. He has released eight Billboard No. 1 hit singles and 26 Top 10 songs on the Hot 100 chart.
Looking back on his career, Thomas told Cryptic Rock in an interview that he was happy with how it had panned out.
"I think I’ve had a great career; I’ve been blessed and very lucky," he said. "Of course there have been some very low lows and some unbelievable highs, but that’s like anything in life. Looking back on how it’s turned out, and where I am right now in my career, I feel satisfied."
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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