Porter Wagoner Diagnosed with Lung Cancer

10/21/2007 Stephen L. Betts Grand Ole Opry star and Country Music Hall of Fame member Porter Wagoner has been diagnosed with lung cancer, according to an Opry spokesperson. The 80-year-old was admitted to a Nashville-area hospital on Monday (Oct. 15). Porter suffered a near-fatal stomach aneurysm in 2006, but later recorded a new album, Wagonmaster, which was released earlier this year. In July, he opened a White Stripes concert at New York's Madison Square Garden, and also appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman with the album's producer, Marty Stuart, and his band. Porter Wagoner is celebrating his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. On Wednesday, October 31, a special musical salute to Porter with performances by Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, Rodney Crowell, and some very special guests is planned at the Tennessee State Museum on the eve of the Americana Music Festival.