Facing Cancer Diagnosis, Bob Kingsley Stepping Away From Country Top 40

But he fully intends on coming back

By kncitom on October 9, 2019

Bob Kingsley has been a part of every country music fan’s Sunday mornings since the 1970s when he first began hosting The American Country Countdown. For the four decades since, Bob has been counting down country hits on his show (which became “The Country Top 40” in 2005) and interviewing virtually every artist who’s meant something to the format in that time.

I remember running his show as a weekend jock at KXLE in Ellensburg, WA in the mid-80s. The way he told a story has influenced me (and hundreds of other broadcasters, I’m sure) to this day. So it was with sadness that I read the news this morning that Bob is stepping away from his show to battle bladder cancer. In a statement, he said,

“I have always prided myself in delivering the truth to you … and today, well, today the truth does not come in the form of a story behind the song, or anything else, but in the reality of what is going on with yours truly. While there is no doubt that the immediate road ahead will push me and challenge my resolve, I want you to know I am blessed to be working with the very best in the medical profession, and they have a plan to deal with this awful disease.”

In the interim, The Country Top 40, which airs on KNCI, will continue with guest hosts. But Bob says he very much plans on being back.

“I have no intention of stopping anytime soon, but for a moment, I need to ask for your patience as I step away from the mic and focus on my treatment. I’ve made a career out of No. 1s, and right now my No. 1 goal is getting back on the air to create more memories we’ll all be able to share, surrounded by the music we all love.”

Nothing but good thoughts and wishes to a country radio legend.