Levon Helm battling final stages of throat cancer

Mark Lavon, popularly known as Levon Helm, is battling the final stages of his throat cancer. This unfortunate news was shared by his wife and daughter on Helm's website. They thanked fans and requested them to pray for Helm.

Levon Helm is an American rock multi-instrumentalist and actor. He is known for his exceptional drumming skills. He used to sing for The Band as a lead and backing vocalist.

According to a news report by CBS News, Levon’s fans are leaving messages of good wishes and words of prayers for him on his Facebook page.

Levon’s manager, Barbara O'Brien, responded to the fans, posting, "Thank you, all, for the outpouring of kindness and love. I know Levon is feeling it and that love will help guide him through this final journey ... YOU are truly people with class and Levon would think the world of you. The pain of knowing we're going to lose him is almost too much for all of us to bear at the moment. But it can't be about US. This is about honoring this great man's dignity and privacy. Let's send him off with love, positive energy, lots of light and words of support and comfort. Keep sending the great posts. I'm going to read them all to him."

Aside from the large number of fans, his band members are also extending their support for him. Levon’s colleague, Musician Garth Hudson, who was also a founding member of The Band, paid tribute on his website by posting, "I am too sad for words right now. Please continue praying for Levon and family."

Another former band member, Robbie Robertson also sent his "prayers and love" to the drummer.

Helm has been fighting this deadly disease for a long time. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998. His motivation to perform and his passion to excel in the music industry made him continue to perform despite being diagnosed with cancer.

Helm is known for his deeply soulful and a country-accented voice. His exceptional drumming style made him popular in the industry, especially after recording "The Weight", "Up on Cripple Creek", "Ophelia" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down". The Rolling Stone magazine ranked him #91 in the list of The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time in 2008.