Last September, Richard Sterban of the Oak Ridge Boys made a devastating announcement.
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"In March of this year, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer," he said. "But I am under the care of the best cancer doctors in the country and, with the help of the Good Lord above, I believe I will be able to get through this."
"I want to thank everyone, especially the fans, for your concern, and I would appreciate your continued prayers," he added. "Most days I'm feeling very good, and I hope to be back out on the road in several months."
Since then, Aaron McCune and Tim Duncan have been filling in for Sterban. But recently, there has been a positive development. We have the details below.
Richard Sterban Joined the Oak Ridge Boys at the Grand Ole Opry
When the Oak Ridge Boys appeared at the Grand Ole Opry on Jan. 30-31, they launched into their signature hit "Elvira." But in the middle of the song, bass singer McCune had something to say.
"When I was a little boy, my heroes were the Oak Ridge Boys," he said. "I never dreamed I'd be here with them."
He added, "Their bass singer was the coolest person in the world to me. He's had a rough year, but I got a surprise. My hero... Richard Sterban."
Sterban then came out from backstage and joined his bandmates to sing the signature "oom papa mow mow" from the hit song.
"Richard...coming out to sing with us on 'Elvira' was a soul-stirring experience for me," said Oak Ridge Boys singer Duane Allen. "I am reading thousands of comments from those of you who felt the same way. Having Richard on stage with us again was one of God's greatest blessings."
Fans couldn't contain their excitement in the comments.
"So happy and thankful to see Richard back on stage with the rest of the guys," one user wrote. "Always be one of my favorite bass singers."
Another added, "I was in tears of joy and love watching y'all!"
