Veteran country singer Jim Ed Brown has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

The Grand Ole Opry member, 80, shared the news with fans in a video posted on his Facebook.com page on Tuesday (30Sep14), confirming suspicions that he has been battling the disease.

He said, "Hello, friends. I know many of you have heard rumours that I have been sick. Well I have, but I've been diagnosed with cancer. I just had my first treatment today.

"I'm going to beat it with chemo and radiation, but I want to thank you for your prayers and support. I'm going to beat this little thing called cancer. I'm going to be alright within the next, well, four months, Ok? I'll see you next year."

Brown is best known for his work with his sisters in The Browns family trio. They were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1963.