Porter Wagoner diagnosed with lung cancer

Porter Wagoner has lung cancer and remains hospitalized in serious condition, a publicist for the country singer said.

The 80-year-old singer in May celebrated his 50th year at the Grand Ole Opry, the long-running live country music show.

Wagoner, known for his rhinestone stage outfits, helped launch the career of Dolly Parton by hiring her as his duet partner in 1967.

Parton visited Wagoner in the hospital last week and pledged to sing with him again according to Opry spokeswoman Jessie Schmidt.