Longtime member of legendary country music quartet The Oak Ridge Boys, singer Richard Sterban announced he was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and will miss their upcoming annual Christmas tour.

In an announcement made via the band's official website, Sterban said in a statement:

"In March of this year, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. But I am under the care of the best cancer doctors in the country and, with the help of the Good Lord above, I believe I will be able to get through this.

"I want to thank everyone, especially the fans, for your concern, and I would appreciate your continued prayers. Most days I’m feeling very good, and I hope to be back out on the road in several months."

Sterban, who has sung in the group since 1972, last appeared with his "Elvira" cohorts earlier this year when the Oaks presented an award at the 60th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Singers Aaron McCune and Tim Duncan have been filling in for Sterban since then, and they will be stepping in for the 82-year-old during the Country Music Hall of Famers' upcoming December tour and possibly into 2026.

Tour Dates:

12/04 Sarasota, FL @ Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
12/05 Hiawassee, GA @ Anderson Music Hall
12/07 Greeneville, TN @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center
12/11 Wausau, WI @ The Grand Theater
12/12 Medina, MN @ Medina Entertainment Center
12/13 Wisconsin Dells, WI @ Crystal Grand Music Theatre
12/18 Wabash, IN @ Honeywell Center Ford Theater
12/19 Canton, OH @ Canton Palace Theatre
12/20 Midland, MI @ Midland Center For The Arts

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