Kathy Griffin reveals she has lung cancer, will have surgery to have part of lung removed


Comedian Kathy Griffin, seen here in a 2019 file photo at the opening of Paula Abdul's Flamingo Las Vegas residency, revealed on social media she has lung cancer.

Kathy Griffin is revealing that she has lung cancer.

The comedian, 60, took to social media to share the news Monday, adding that she has never smoked.

"I've got to tell you guys something. I have cancer. I'm about to go into surgery to have half of my left lung removed," Griffin wrote. "Yes, I have lung cancer even though I've never smoked!"

She added that her cancer, which is "contained to my left lung," is in Stage 1 and her doctors are "very optimistic."

"Hopefully no chemo or radiation after this and I should have normal function with my breathing. I should be up and running around as usual in a month or less. It's been a helluva 4 years, trying to get back to work, making you guys laugh and entertaining you, but I'm gonna be just fine."
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) August 2, 2021

USA TODAY reached out to Griffin's reps for comment.

In her tweet, the Emmy Award-winner noted that her condition could have been more serious had she not been "fully vaccinated" against COVID-19.

"Of course I am fully vaccinated for Covid. The consequences for being unvaccinated would have been even more serious," she added. "Please stay up to date on your medical check ups. It'll save your life."

Celebrities shared their support for Griffin in the comments.

"Love you so much!!! I'm here if you need anything. Don't hesitate," TV personality Ross Mathews commented.

"Sending you lots of love Kathy," wrote fellow comedian and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" star Caroline Rhea.

Griffin said she was "definitely in shock" by the news in a clip from an upcoming "Nightline" interview airing Monday night.

@kathygriffin says she's facing a new obstacle: overcoming lung cancer.
— Nightline (@Nightline) August 2, 2021

"I'm still a little bit in shock. Not denial, but once a day I'll turn to nobody next to me and go, 'Can you believe this (expletive)?' " she says in the clip.

In July 2017, Griffin shaved her head in honor of her sister Joyce, who was battling cancer. Griffin later announced that her sister died that September.

"My sister Joyce passed away peacefully last night. Check out this beautiful moment," she wrote alongside a video of her sister in the hospital, sharing while also providing a link to the American Cancer Society.

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