From All Access Music Group

Longtime syndicated Country radio personality BOB KINGSLEY revealed to his affiliates and listeners today that he is battling bladder cancer, and will step away from hosting duties at his weekly countdown show, “BOB KINGSLEY’s Country Top 40,” for the time being. His show is syndicated globally to more than 320 stations by his own KCCS PRODUCTIONS and distributed by WESTWOOD ONE.

“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 posted on his web site. “The faith you have placed in me is something I treasure, and that support has allowed me to do what I love in this wonderful industry for 60 years. 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.” Read his full announcement here.

His company will move forward with plans to partner with the COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION to promote the upcoming CMA AWARDS. Over the course of several weeks, “BOB KINGSLEY’S Country Top 40” will spotlight the legacy of female voices in the format, each week putting a hit-making female artist in his place as the show’s host beginning the weekend of OCTOBER 12-13 and running through the weekend of NOV. 30 – DEC. 1. Artists confirmed to guest host during this partnership period include TRISHA YEARWOOD, KIMBERLY SCHLAPMAN and KAREN FAIRCHILD of LITTLE BIG TOWN, MARTINA MCBRIDE, and more to be announced. Throughout each episode, each guest artist will play their own hits, songs from their new albums, and their favorite songs either performed or written by females, and each week’s “Milestone” segment will spotlight CMA Female Vocalist nominees and winners through the years.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to team with my friends at the CMA to help them magnify what is already poised to be an incredible night for this music we all love,” said KINGSLEY. “The artists we have secured for this very special partnership are among my favorite of all-time, and being able to provide this platform to reinforce how important female voices are to Country radio and Country music in general is an honor. While I wanted to be right there with them, now knowing that these amazing female voices will be pinch-hitting for me as I focus on cancer treatment brings me such peace of mind and gratitude.

“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,” KINGSLEY added. “I thank you in advance for the prayers and well wishes. They mean more to me than you could ever know.”

Send get well wishes to KINGSLEY here.

For more on this story go to: https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/190372/bob-kingsley-steps-away-from-the-mic-to-battle-bla

EDITOR’s NOTE: “BOB KINGSLEY’s Country Top 40” is broadcast here in the Cayman Islands every Saturday afternoon by Radio Cayman.