Soon after announcing retirement Hank Thompson died at the age of 82 at his home near Fort Worth, Texas, according to Heart of Texas Records president Tracy Pitcox. "He was battling aggressive lung cancer," said Pitcox. "He remained conscious until the last couple of hours and passed away peacefully surrounded by his friends and family."

There will be no funeral, but a "Celebration of Life" will be held Nov. 14 at Billy Bob's Texas club in Fort Worth. "Hank will be cremated and buried next to his mom and dad in Waco, Texas," noted Hank's longtime manager D.D. Bray. Hank, who had no children, is survived by his wife, Ann.