Publicist: Emmy-winning TV host and ‘Moon River’ crooner Andy Williams has died

BRANSON, Mo. – Emmy-winning TV host and “Moon River” crooner Andy Williams has died.

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

Williams said in November 2011 that he was diagnosed with bladder cancer but planned to continue performing at the namesake theatre 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.”