Legendary country radio personality Bob Kingsley has been diagnosed with bladder cancer and will temporarily be stepping away from hosting his longtime country music countdown program, Bob Kinglsey’s Country Top 40.
The award-winning host shared the news in a heartfelt post on Country Top 40 website.
“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,” Kingsley began. “I want to let you know that I have been diagnosed with bladder cancer.”
He went on to thank fans for listening and ask for them to stick by his side as he fights the disease.
“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,” he wrote.
He also thanked his wife of 30 years, Nan, and promised to share their “temporary plan” for the show very soon.
“You know friends, I’ve made a career out of #1s, and right now my #1 goal is getting back on the air to create more memories we’ll all be able to share, surrounded by the music we all love,” he concluded. “I thank you in advance for the prayers and well wishes…they mean more to me than you could ever know.”
Support for Kingsley poured in on social media, including a sincere note from fellow radio personality, Bobby Bones.
“I have always been a fan of you on radio. And in the recent years, as a person,” Bones wrote in a message to Kingsley on Twitter. “Wishing you the speediest recovery and strongest fight as you will beat this cancer. We are all thinking about you and praying for you. Come back soon.”
Bob Kingsley is a member of the Country Radio Hall of Fame, the National Radio Hall of Fame and a multi-CMA and ACM award winner.
Following the announcement of Kingsley’s diagnosis, he shared the news of a new partnership with the Country Music Association leading up to the 53rd Annual CMA Awards.
According to a press release, beginning the weekend of Oct. 12, and running through the weekend of Nov. 30, Kingsley will turn his mic over to a number of country music’s most impactful female artists to help countdown the week’s Top 40 songs. During each episode, the guests will play their biggests hits, songs from their latest project, their favorite songs ever written or performed by females and spotlight CMA Female Vocalist of the Year nominees and winners throughout the 53 years of the CMA Awards.
Artists confirmed to take over hosting duties including Trisha Yearwood, Kimberly Schlapman & Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, Martina McBride and more to be announced.
