Andy Williams Dies 'Moon River,' Singer Mourned
Legendary singer Andy Williams has died at age 84 after a long battle against cancer on Tuesday.
A representative for the singer confirmed Williams' death to Lifeline Live after he died at his home in Branson, Mo. The "Moon River" singer had been diagnosed with cancer in 2011, but had continued to perform at his theater, Moon River, even after undergoing cancer treatment.
Williams first performed in a children's choir at Presbyterian church in Iowa, but he went on to join his brothers Bob, Don, and Dick in the Williams Brothers Quartet, who later appeared with Bing Crosby on the hit song "Swinging on a Star" in 1944.
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The iconic singer is perhaps best known for hosting "The Andy Williams Show" from 1962-1971 on ABC. Williams also hosted numerous television specials, and recorded 18 Gold and three Platinum-certified albums over the course of his career.
"Moon River" came to be Williams' signature song after he performed it at the 1962 Academy Awards ceremony, but Audrey Hepburn has also performed the song in the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
The "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" singer's voice was once deemed "a national treasure" by President Ronald Reagan, and Williams' legions of fans are mourning his death across the globe on Wednesday.
"Farewell Andy Williams," wrote Twitter user Brent. "Met him once. Cool guy. Wonderful singer."
Actress Soeil Moon Frye wrote, "RIP Andy Williams. I will remember working with you with great joy. I can still hear the songs and hold them close in my heart."
"So sad to hear this," talk show host Katie Couric wrote in response to the news of Williams' death.
Colm added, "RIP Andy Williams, one [of] the greats. The original 'huckleberry friend,'" he will not be forgotten!"
Williams leaves behind his wife Debbie Haas and three daughters.
