Bob Kingsley, longtime country radio DJ and host of the syndicated radio show Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40, has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. In a letter to fans on his website, the DJ says he will be stepping away from his hosting duties to seek treatment.

"I have always prided myself in delivering the truth to you ... 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 writes. "While there is no doubt that the immediate road ahead will push me and challenge my resolve, I want you to know I am blessed to be working with the very best in the medical profession, and they have a plan to deal with this awful disease."

Kingsley began his radio career while serving in the U.S. Air Force in Iceland. Following his military service, he worked in Los Angeles throughout the 1960s and early '70s. In 1974, Kingsley began producing the American Country Countdown syndicated radio show, and started as the show's host in May of 1978.

A CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year winner in 2001 and 2003, Kingsley launched Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40 in 2006. He is a 2016 inductee into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and his radio show is syndicated to more than 300 stations worldwide. Kingsley is also a 2007 ACM National Broadcast Personality of the Year winner and the 2017 ACM Mae Boren Axton Service Award winner, and received the Grand Ole Opry's Living Legend Award in 2014.

"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," Kingsley says, crediting his wife Nan and the team involved with his radio show for their support. From Oct. 12 through Dec. 1, leading country women -- from Trisha Yearwood to Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman, and more -- will host Country Top 40 in Kingsley's absence, part of a partnership with the Country Music Association, which is using the 2019 CMA Awards to spotlight the genre's female artists as well.

"You know friends, I’ve made a career out of No. 1s, and right now my No. 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," Kingsley concludes. "I thank you in advance for the prayers and well wishes … They mean more to me than you could ever know."

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