NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Porter Wagoner, the rhinestone-clad Grand Ole Opry star who helped launch the career of Dolly Parton by hiring her as his duet partner, died Sunday. He was 80.
Wagoner, who had survived an abdominal aneurysm in 2006, was hospitalized again this month and his publicist disclosed he had lung cancer. He died at 8:25 p.m. CDT in a Nashville hospice, a spokesman for the Grand Ole Opry said.
His illness came after a comeback that saw him recording again and gaining new fans even as he reached his 80s.
In May 2007 he celebrated his 50th year in the Opry. After years without a recording contract, he signed with ANTI- records.
The CD Wagonmaster, produced with Marty Stuart, was released in June 2007 and earned Wagoner some of the best reviews of his career.
Among his hits, many he wrote or co-wrote, were "Carroll County Accident," "A Satisfied Mind," "Skid Row Joe" and "Green Green Grass of Home."
Front Section, Pages 2 on 10/29/2007