Ray Price, Country Music Legend, Not Dead; Son Releases Statement Prematurely

by UInterviewDecember 16, 2013, 12:00 amNews >

Country music legend Ray Price, 87, was falsely reported as dead this weekend when his son prematurely released a statement on his father’s death.

“Dear Friends, I have said my last goodbye to my Dad Mr. Ray Price. I drove to the ranch where I was allowed to see my Dad for a brief time. My Dad is in a coma and I believe he may pass at any time. I told him I loved Him and I think he tried to communicate that he loved me,” Cliff Price, Price’s son, wrote Dec. 14 on his father’s Facebook, where he has been keeping fans updated on his father’s condition.

Cliff Price Confirmed His Father's Death

Price has been fighting pancreatic cancer since 2011, and his family knows that it is only a matter of time before he succumbs to the disease. His son, Cliff had been updating his father’s Facebook page, and had left his father’s side when he inaccurately reported his father’s death.

Cliff reportedly posted the news of his father’s death Sunday, Dec. 15, causing the story to be picked up by major news outlets and leading the world to believe that Price had died. The post has since been deleted and replaced with a new message, claiming that Cliff had “been deceived by some cruel people."

Ray Price Still Alive, His Wife Confirms

Price’s wife of 45 years, Janie Price, took to social media to set the record straight later that day, assuring the public that, though her husband’s condition is deteriorating, he is still alive and surrounded by friends and family.

Country radio personality and friend of the Price family, Bill Mack, has been releasing information as well.

“As of 7:00 PM, the great Ray Price is still with us, although obviously fading from the cancer. This was verified by Janie Price less than an hour ago (6:00 PM, Central). Just wanted to release this ‘update’ because so many of you have issued your concerns. Thank you! It’s been a long day since Janie called me this morning notifying me of his ‘failing condition,’ but I’ve had the opportunity to observe hundreds of caring, loving messages. What a deserving compliment to Ray,” Mack said in a statement the evening of Dec. 15.

And Mack will release an official statement when Price’s condition changes. Price recently moved out of the hospital where he was being treated and is currently in his Texas home under hospice care.

“I love my fans and I 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,” Price said in his final message to his fans.