Conservative columnist and former CNN host Robert Novak, 77, said he will retire immediately to focus on treatment of a malignant brain tumor, CNN reported. The longtime Chicago Sun-Times commentator told the newspaper his prognosis is "dire."
Novak's tumor was diagnosed last week after he became ill while on a family trip.
His column, which began in 1963, is one of the longest-running commentaries in history. Novak was also a regular commentator on CNN for 25 years and host of the network's "Crossfire" during much of its 25-year run.
"Bob Novak is rare in American journalism — a columnist who works the phones to stay in touch with sources and keep his columns full of fresh news instead of stale rehash," said Tom Minnery, senior vice president for government and public policy at Focus on the Family Action.
"He is a social conservative who understands the importance of faith in politics. His recent theme, that Sen. McCain is ignoring evangelical voters at his peril, has been exactly on point. We’ll all miss his work."
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