Andy Williams has bladder cancer

Andy Williams has been diagnosed with bladder cancer.

The 83-year-old crooner vowed to beat the disease and plans to return to the stage next September and October to mark 75 years of showbusiness.

Speaking on stage at the Moon River Theater in Branson, Missouri, on Saturday (05.11.11), he said: "I do have cancer of the bladder. But that is no longer a death sentence.

"People with cancer are getting through this thing. They're kicking it, and they're winning more and more every year. And I'm going to be one of them. I'm going to do the shows I've planned to do."

Andy – who cancelled concerts earlier this year due to an undisclosed ailment – later added in a statement: "You may have read or heard that I have bladder cancer. It's true and I'm currently undergoing treatment to deal with it."

The 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' hitmaker broke the news during his Christmas Show and his appearance came as a surprise to fans.

The event description on his website listed a number of guest starts and noted that "due to health reasons, Andy may not make a live appearance in his Christmas Show".