“His family are a great support to him at this difficult time.”
Brendan Grace has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
The comedian received the news while he was receiving treatment for pneumonia.
“Brendan Grace has been in hospital for the last four weeks receiving treatment for pneumonia,” a spokesperson told The Mirror.
“It has now transpired that he is also suffering from cancer for which he is receiving ongoing care and treatment.
“His family are a great support to him at this difficult time and respect for their privacy would be much appreciated.”
The spokesperson added that Grace has had to cancel his upcoming July and August Irish tour.
“Brendan is still in hospital and will be remaining there for ongoing treatment,” they said. “He is hospitalised in Ireland.”
68-year-old Grace currently lives in the US with wife Eileen, but returns to his native Dublin regularly.
The comedian spoke candidly of his health issues last year on his documentary for RTE, Brendan Grace: Funny Man.
“I got diabetes, it was a bit of a blow to me,” he said.
“Eileen often said to me about the diabetes, that she wished it was her who got it because she would be better able to discipline herself into the right thing to do, whereas I’m inclined to throw caution to the wind.”
He added that his wife had always been there for him and that she is his “very best friend.”
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her and there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for me, and that’s how it’s been for the past 45 years. Doing nothing for each other.”
Grace also suffered a stroke a few years back.
He is currently being treated for lung cancer in hospital in Ireland.
