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Nat King Cole Undergoes Cancer Surgery

Jan. 25, 1965 - Nat King Cole (pictured with wife Maria) underwent surgery today for removal of his left lung in a fight against cancer. His condition was reported as satisfactory after the three-hour operation at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif. Doctors would not speculate on when he would be released.

“There is no reason why he won’t be able to sing again,” said one doctor who requested anonymity.

Cole, who is 45 years old, is one of the nation’s most popular recording stars. He entered the hospital Dec. 8 and had been undergoing cobalt and X-ray therapy to shrink a lung tumor preparatory to surgery.

The singer was forced to cancel all his engagements because of the prolonged pre-operative therapy.

Today, flowers and telegrams by the thousands poured into Cole’s home and hospital room. John Wayne, who had a lung cancer operation recently, wired: “I licked it. So can you.”



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© 2024 by Joe Rubenstein

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