Country Legend Ray Price Returning Home for Hospice Care, Leaves Final Message for Fans

Country music legend Ray Price, who entertained millions of fans over a career spanning more than 50 years, is returning to his East Texas home for in-home hospice care.

According to a release from East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, Price is leaving the hospital today (Dec. 12) to go home in Mount Pleasant.

Here is the full release from ETMC:

Country Music Hall of Fame member and American country music singer Ray Price, 87, plans to leave East Texas Medical Center in Tyler today to go to his home in Mt. Pleasant for home hospice care.

Price was diagnosed in 2011 with pancreatic cancer, and despite aggressive treatment, the cancer has recently spread to his liver, intestines and now his lungs. He has been in and out of hospital care for the past few months and was recently readmitted with complications. Price and his wife of 45 years, Janie, have decided to not pursue any further aggressive treatment.

"Ray is alert and aware of his surroundings and making decisions," said Janie. "With God's blessing he has not had extreme pain. But it's with great sadness that I announce to you today that my beloved husband has entered the final stages of his cancer that he has battled for 25 months. Anyone who knows Ray is aware that he has strong convictions and great faith in God. It's his decision to leave the hospital and return home to spend his final days on his beloved ranch surrounded by the comfort of his home, family and friends."

Price wanted to give a 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."

Janie thanks the fans for all of their love and messages and wanted to let the fans know the best way to send them a note is on their Facebook page or you can mail a card to:

Ray Price, P.O. Box 1986, Mt. Pleasant, TX 75456.

Price performed his last show this year in May. He has a new CD coming out and several tribute shows were already being planned to celebrate his career. One is set for Feb. 12 in Nashville.

Price was admitted into ETMC on Dec. 2 in the final stages of pancreatic cancer. He is a month from turning 88 years old.

He was born in Perryville, Texas, and served in the U.S. Marines during World War II. Price won two Grammy Awards and a CMA Award for Album of the Year in 1971.

In 1970 the Academy of Country Music awarded Price Album of the Year and Single of the Year for "For the Good Times."

God speed, Mr. Price, from all of us at KNUE.