Kingsley passed while being treated for bladder cancer
Country radio legend Bob Kingsley has died following a battle with bladder cancer. The National Radio Hall of Famer and Country Top 40 host died Thursday (Oct 17th) at his home in Weatherford, TX while receiving treatment for cancer at the age of 80. Kingsley revealed his cancer diagnosis just last week.
“I want to let you know that I have been diagnosed with bladder cancer,” he shared on October 9th. “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. 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. Those of you who know me personally, know I would not be here today, and could not continue in this moment without my beautiful bride of 30 years, Nan. Her strength is unmatched, and she is by my side every step of the way. My amazing team at the Country Top 40 and KCCS Productions, and our extended family at Westwood One, will be following up very soon with our temporary plan. And I do have to say, we are very far down the road on a concept we have been working on for a while in conjunction with this year’s CMA Awards—one that I thought I would get to be a part of over the next several weeks. That, however, is not going to be possible, but I am looking forward to hearing it from the other side of the speakers. You know friends, 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. I thank you in advance for the prayers and well wishes…they mean more to me than you could ever know.”
Kingsley was a mainstay of country radio for 60 years. He began his career in 1959 while service in the Air Force before working at a pair of stations in Los Angeles and programming one of them after its flip to country in 1970. Kingsley took over hosting and producing duties to the nationally syndicated American Country Countdown in 1974, a year after Casey Kasem and Don Bustany started it. Kingsley remained host until Kix Brooks took over in 2005. A year later, Kingsley launched Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 which he hosted until his passing and airs on more than 300 country stations nationwide.
Kingsley garnered numerous industry accolades throughout his career, including winning ACM National Broadcast Personality of the Year, being named CMA’s National Broadcast Personality of the Year and won Billboard’s Network/Syndicated Program of the year 16 times. CRB/Country Aircheck Awards named Kingsley National Air Personality of the Year three times and he was awarded with the CRB Presidents Award in 2012. In 1998, he was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame and became country’s fifth induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. Kingsley was the inaugural recipient of the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award in 2014.
A celebration of life will be held at the CMA Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame Thursday, November 14th at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Kingsley’s name to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund.
Celebs are sharing their condolences and Kingsley influence on social media.
The world has lost a good one and a voice that will always take me back to my childhood and listening to the countdown on Sundays. Rest In Peace @bobkingsleyct40 https://t.co/lGxqbQZrrO
— Brandy Clark (@TheBrandyClark) October 17, 2019
It is with great sadness we hear of the passing of our friend and colleague Bob Kingsley. He passed early today after a battle with cancer. Bob is a shining star and pioneer in radio broadcasting. Hard to imagine country music without Bob Kingsley. He was loved by us & so many. pic.twitter.com/1ntMnlnK9V
— Crook and Chase (@crookandchase) October 17, 2019
Rest In Peace to Bob Kingsley . I spent many weekends as a kid listening to his countdown. And spent many occasions as I got older telling him how much I admired him. This picture is just one of those occasions. Rest easy friend. pic.twitter.com/JQDVumL9uN
— Bobby Bones (@mrBobbyBones) October 17, 2019
Brokenhearted to hear of this radio legend's passing. Bob Kingsley was someone to look up to. A man to learn from, a host we respected. He was someone listen to as well as someone to talk to. We are incredibly grateful that we have been blessed to have called Bob a friend. https://t.co/JWMVtwroWj
— Big D and Bubba (@bigdandbubba) October 17, 2019
Devastating news in the world of country music…the iconic radio host Bob Kingsley has passed away from cancer at the age of 80. Bob was a great friend and mentor to so many in the radio world, including some of our own here at The Highway…RIP, Bob ? #StormeWarrenShow pic.twitter.com/smlhpKqt98
— SiriusXM The Highway (@SXMTheHighway) October 17, 2019
NOOOOOOO!!! Bob Kingsley NOOOOO! I just can't believe this! You are and will always be such an inspiration to me!!! OMG! My heart just hurts so much right now…?? RIP Bob.. pic.twitter.com/sHz42Ik9ZM
— Shawn Parr (@DJ_Shawn_Parr) October 17, 2019
Damn man. RIP to Bob Kingsley. Absolutely country radio legend. I remember getting to interview with him and was 10 minutes late to my next one. Such an amazing guy.
— Travis Denning (@Travis_Denning) October 17, 2019
the voice. the man. the friend. #BobKingsley … from day 1 you’ve been in our corner. we truly lost 1 of the good 1’s ?rest easy brother…
till we meet again!! @bobkingsleyct40 https://t.co/vADzYmfyVS— LOCASH (@LOCASHmusic) October 17, 2019