Levon Helm 'in the final stages of his battle with cancer'
 

Phillips County native and rock 'n' roll legend Levon Helm "is in the final stages of his battle with cancer," according to his wife Sandy and daughter Amy. "Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey," they wrote.

"Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage... We appreciate all the love and support and concern," they wrote.

Thankful to have spend an hour alone with him on one of my last visits to Frisco, and times over the decades. Even more thankful for his lifetime of music which remains. I wish a peaceful transition, my drummer friend, Skennah Kowa.

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." - Anaïs Nin