Country Star Porter Wagoner Dies At 80

Country star Porter Wagoner passed away from lung cancer on Sunday. He was 80.Despite an abdominal aneurysm in 2006 Wagoner continued to make music. Earlier this year Wagoner singed to ANTI-Records whose roster also includes Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Neko Case and released the Marty Stuart-produced album Wagonmaster. Wagoner also celebrated 50 years with the Grand Ole Opry family this past May, another honor to match his 2002 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame."His passion for the Opry and all of country music was truly immeasurable," Pete Fisher, vice president and general manager of the Opry told the AP. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time."Wagoner's contributions to music went beyond finger picking. His own syndicated TV show, The Porter Wagoner Show, which lasted 21 years, launched the career of Dolly Parton. Wagoner hired Parton to sing duets until she left to pursue a solo career in 1974. Wagoner sued for $3 million but it was settled out of court.Wagoner opened for the White Stripes earlier this summer at New York's Madison Square Garden and loved the feeling of crossing over to a new audience.He will be remembered for his shiny rhinestone suits, but his music will shine forever.