Life throws curveballs at everyone, even the legends. Larry King, the iconic broadcast journalist, revealed on Wednesday, Sept. 13, that he quietly battled lung cancer over the summer. It’s a story that hits close to home for many, and it’s one he’s sharing now to encourage his fans to take charge of their health.

Why Larry King Decided to Go Public

Larry didn’t want his battle with cancer to become a public spectacle, but he knew the importance of raising awareness. At 83 years old, he’s a man who understands the value of a good chest X-ray. “The reason I go public with it is to tell people, ‘Get a chest X-ray,’” Larry told Extra in a heartfelt interview. “If I had not had the chest X-ray, it would have progressed. That simple test saved my life.”

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Thank you everyone for the well wishes. The Docs at Cedars were on top of it & removed the cancer immediately. I'm as healthy as can be & was back to work 2 weeks later. Remember to get regular chest examinations, not everyone is as lucky as I was! I've never felt better.
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A post shared by Larry King (@larrykingnow) on Sep 13, 2017 at 3:01pm PDT

From Diagnosis to Recovery: Larry's Journey

When doctors noticed a suspicious spot on Larry’s chest, they wasted no time in taking action. On July 17, Larry underwent surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The team of doctors discovered that the cancer was at stage 1, which was a huge relief. “They took it out. It was malignant,” Larry explained. “They were going to take it out if it was malignant or benign. They tested it, and they said, ‘You are fine.’ It was stage 1.” Thankfully, Larry is now cancer-free and back to his usual vibrant self.

After the surgery, Larry didn’t waste any time before diving back into his work. “I feel good, I get my checkups, I stay healthy, and I love working,” he said. Larry’s career is as much a part of him as breathing, and he continues to thrive in his various ventures. “I do Ora.TV, I do politicking, I still make speeches, I’m active,” he shared with Extra.

Why Retirement Is Not an Option for Larry King

For more than six decades, Larry King has been a household name in journalism. When asked about retirement, Larry laughed it off, saying, “Seven decades — shoot, I can’t believe it myself. I love working and don’t know what I’d do if I retired. I’ve been curious all my life, so I’ve taken that curiosity and made it a living.” Larry’s zest for life and his passion for his work are truly inspiring.

When Closer Weekly asked Larry how he wanted to be remembered, he quipped, “I’d like to be here so they don’t have to remember me at all! I’d like the headline to read, ‘Oldest Man Who Ever Lived!’” He joked with Extra, “I’ll die on the air probably.” Larry’s humor and humility are as much a part of him as his legendary career.