Longtime Branson entertainer Andy Williams told an audience Nov. 5 at his Moon River Theatre that a diagnosis of bladder cancer will keep him from taking the stage until next season, according to a report from
Branson Tri-Lakes News.
Williams, 83, has missed several performances this year, but he told the audience he would recover for the 2012 season by October, which would mark his 75th year in the industry.
“I do have cancer of the bladder. But that is no longer a death sentence," he said, according to the article. "People with cancer are getting through this thing. They’re kicking it, and they’re winning more and more every year. And I’m going to be one of them.”
Lynn Meredith, general manager of Moon River Theatre, could not be reached for comment by deadline.
In the 1990s, Williams was a forerunner in
Branson's boom as a music and entertainment tourist destination.
Williams opened Moon River Theatre in 1992. After initially performing in a quartet with his brothers, Williams went solo in 1952 and recorded more than 17 gold and three platinum records by 1973. He also hosted "The Andy Williams Show" 1959-1971, according to
Biography.com.
Williams also opened Moon River Grill in Branson across the street from the theater.[[In-content Ad]]