Ray Price died at the age of 87 on Monday, December 16, 2013.  The official news comes after conflicting reports that Ray Price died on Sunday, December 15. Rolling Stone reported the country star's death was prematurely announced by his son.

Country music legend Ray Price has fought a long hard battle with pancreatic cancer. Sadly, the 87 year-old country crooner decided not to pursue aggressive treatment.

On Dec. 12, Great American Country said that the 'For The Good Times' singer left East Texas Medical Center to be at home for hospice care.

Ray's wife of 45 years, Janie Price, made a public statement that day stating that “Ray is alert and aware of his surroundings and making decisions, 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.”

Ray’s wife added that he sends this 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."

 

Ray Price continued to record and tour even through his first cancer treatments, playing his final show in May of 2013. Surprisingly, the 87 year-old entertainer still had an amazing pure voice in the senior years of his life, with a full deep sound that was reminiscent of his prime hits from the 70s.  Ray Price was one of the few legends who still had his 'pipes' in the latter part of his career, and the fans who got to see him over the last decade were extremely lucky to enjoy this entertainer who dated back to the days of Hank Williams, Sr.

Ray Price will be greatly missed, he was a class act all around.

Ray Price was at home with his family in Texas when he passed on Monday, December 16. Click here for more details about his passing.

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