By Zoe Papadakis From Newsmax

TV singing legend Steve Lawrence has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and has asked his fans to  pray for him. The request came in a heartfelt letter written by the 83-year-old and released by his spokesperson on Tuesday.

There have been rumors that Lawrence’s health has been on a steady decline since the death of his wife, Eydie Gormé, in 2013. But this is the first time Lawrence has opened up about his health.

“Dear Friends, there have been a number of rumors and some press reaching out to me and I feel it’s important that I tell my own truth,” he wrote in the letter obtained by People. “I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.”

Lawrence explained that the disease was in the early stages and he was undergoing treatment under close supervision of doctors who have managed to slow “the horrific process” down. Despite the diagnosis, he is determined to make the most of his time.

“I’m living my life, going out in public and trying to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends while I am still able to engage and enjoy,” Lawrence continued. “I want my beloved fans to know that in spite of this bittersweet moment, what I don’t want is pity or sympathy – I have lived and am living a wonderful, joyous life filled with love, support, and amazing moments.”

In his letter, Lawrence also spoke about his wife, who was “one of the great loves of all time.” The couple had been together for over 55 years. Lawrence previously noted how it was love at first sight.

“I fell in love with her the moment I saw her and even more the first time I heard her sing,” he said in a tribute on his official

Speaking about his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Lawrence asked fans for their prayers and good wishes while urging them to seek out the joy in life “because what I feel is gratitude, love and hope — nothing more and nothing less, and I hope you can find the same,” he wrote.

Steve Lawrence has starred in various TV shows and films including “The Judy Garland Show” and “The Blues Brothers” but he is arguably most well-known for teaming up with his wife to perform in the musical duo Steve and Eydie.

For more on this story go to: https://www.newsmax.com/thewire/steve-lawrence-alzheimers-diagnosis/2019/06/11/id/919850/?ns_mail_uid=6952f1f9-507d-4a20-8cc0-0a1db158d76e&ns_mail_job=DM34044_06112019&s=acs&dkt_nbr=010502kggsdv