March 9, 2005

Associated Press

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Country singer Chris LeDoux has died from complications of liver cancer.

LeDoux, who was 56, died today in Casper, Wyoming. A spokeswoman for Capitol Nashville -- LeDoux's recording company -- says the singer was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death.

LeDoux was a former world champion bronc rider who started writing and playing music in his teens, while he competed in rodeos.

He signed with Capitol Records Nashville in 1990 and released 15 CDs since then, and sold nearly 6 million records.

In November, LeDoux canceled several tour dates while being treated for cancer of the bile duct. He'd had a liver transplant in 2000 after a long illness.

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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