'Moon River' crooner Andy Williams dies at age 84

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by Laura Matovina

Story Created: Sep 27, 2012 at 6:22 AM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 27, 2012

BRANSON, Mo. (AP) -- Emmy-winning TV host and "Moon River" crooner Andy Williams has died at age 84.

Williams' publicist, Paul Shefrin, said Wednesday that the silky-voiced singer died Tuesday night at his home in Branson, Mo., following a yearlong battle with bladder cancer.

Williams said in November 2011 that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer but planned to continue performing at the namesake theater he built in Branson in 1992.

The clean-cut Iowa native began singing with his brothers as a child, and his easy style and mellow voice led President Ronald Reagan to call Williams a "national treasure." Though his version of "Moon River" made him world famous, it was among his many hits, including "Butterfly" and "Can't Get Used to Losing You."

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