According to an article posted on Blabbermouth, Ronnie James Dio’s wife and manager, Wendy Dio, issued a statement that said that the legendary Rainbow and Black Sabbath front man had been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. Here’s her full statement:
“Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer. We are starting treatment immediately at the Mayo Clinic. After he kills this dragon, Ronnie will be back on stage, where he belongs, doing what he loves best, performing for his fans.
“Thanks to all the friends and fans around the world that have sent well wishes. This has really helped to keep his spirit up.
“Long Live Rock and Roll, Long Live Ronnie James Dio”.
Dio was forced to cancel his European tour when he became ill and was hospitalized.
Dio, who rose to fame as the singer of Rainbow in the 1970s, is best known for replacing Ozzy Osbourne as the singer for Black Sabbath, and for his work in the 1980s in his own band, Dio.
Watch Ronnie in his day replacing Ozzy as lead singer of Black Sabbath below:
