Bill Bailey Ill

[John Quincy]

Last week I was contacted by Bill Bailey's niece, Jane Lassiter Boahn. She wrote:

"You may know, but Bill is not doing well at all...we may lose him soon. Thought I would pass the word on to you. He is in the hospital; Jennifer and Faith have been with him. Wish we were there. Appreciate any support you or other friends of Bill can offer the girls."

I then called Johnny Randolph, who had recently visited Bill. JR said Bill had been in the hospital battling pneumonia and had caught a staph infection. He eventually was able to go back to the nursing home, but went back into the hospital on Friday for what was supposed to be a one-day procedure.

JR called the nursing home to check on Bailey today, and sent this note:

"I was able to make contact with the rest home where Bill is and could no info except he is still in the hospital (Norton's). Just a few days ago the rest home said he would be there Friday only. When I pressed this today they just said that's all they could say. A week ago from this past Saturday I visited with him and he was not well."

I passed this info on to Bill's niece, who responded:

"Chuck [Jane's husband] just talked to his dad [Bill's brother]. He said they are putting in a feeding tube but he has not had any nourishment for over 6 days, so not good still. Keep having trouble getting up with Jennifer. Will let you know any more ASAP."

Bill's had health issues before, but this could be serious. I just wanted to make you aware. I'll pass along any updates that come in.

BTW, the address for Bill at the nursing home is:

Bill Boahn
c/o Friendship Manor
7400 La Grange Road
Pewee Valley, KY 40056

I'm sure the family covets your prayers.

[Max]

I'm saddened to hear this news on my friend the Duke. However, we know who the Great Physician is and that HE can bring healing. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get up and see Bill in a couple of years, but I will lift him up in prayer and hopefully be able to get up to see him soon. Thanks, John and Johnny...

[lucinaash]

I have loved The Duke as long as I have loved being WAKY, all my life. The Best DJ ever! I'll add him to my Prayer Journal. I Pray he pulls through this with God Speed.He is in the hands of The Greatest Healer. Tks to Max for informing us all...

[Max]

While I have informed the Facebook community, I have only been relaying what JQ and Johnny Randolph have learned. They are the ones we should be thanking! Thanks guys for the updates!

[bruiser]

Best wishes for a recovery.

[dudewalker1]

I love Bill bailey. Anyone fortunate enough to have worked with him and was a friend feels the same way. Bill is in my prayers. I thank God for bill's friendship. He is the best DJ I ever heard or worked with, truly one of a kind. I will continue to pray for him. God bless you Bill.
Dude walker

[John Quincy]

This just in from WVLK's Jack Pattie:

""The Duke is back at Friendship Manor and on the mend. I visited him this morning and even though he's weak and has lost some weight, he's still got his sense of humor and is definately feeling better. I plan to return to see him Thursday and I'll give you an update."

[bruiser]

That's good news!

[budlts]

God Bless Bill. I spent my high school years in late 60's to 1970 listening to bill in Shively. He is one of the greatest DJ's ever. Last saw him here in Lexington in 1993 while he was with WVLK. I hope his pain can be eased. Keep us updated on his status.

[John Quincy]

WVLK's Jack Pattie reports Friday: "Bill was doing better yesterday. He's having a slight problem swallowing, but he's receiving therapy for that. He was making eyes at the nurses, so you know he's on the mend!"

[lcook]

Hi, Les Cook here with a report on the DUKE. I visited with him at Friendship Manor Saturday July 10th and he was in good spirits and looked good. He was watching his favorite western "Pale Rider." Bill likes clint Eastwood. He is thinking of coming out to the WAKY Rock 'n Roll Reunion at the Louisville Zoo on August 14th. There is a WVLK reunion sometime in August that he is thinking about attending too, so he is feeling much better. He sends his thanks for your prayers.

[John Quincy]

Gary Burbank writes to say he and the missus saw Bill recently:

"Carol and I went to see Bill Bailey over the holiday weekend. He seemed to be recovering well from his hospital stay. We had a great time.

"Bailey did a typical 'Bailey' take. He asked about my ex wife. I told him she died 10 years ago. Bill did that perfect reflective pause and said, 'You know, I've got four ex-wives, and not one of them has had the decency to die. Not one.'

"You'd have to be there if you don't know Bill Bailey."

[bruiser]

That sounds like the Duke.

[Max]

That is absolutely priceless...

[Max]

Not sure if the Duke was ill today, but I took advantage of a vacation day and trotted up to Big Lou for an Ollieburger, tour of Louisville Glassworks and a long overdue visit with Bill Bailey, as I hadn't seen him since summer 2007...I called ahead and they told me he didn't feel like visitors today which disappointed me...maybe next time... .