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Chet Atkins, guitarist, dead at 77
HOLLYWOOD - Influential country guitarist Chet Atkins died peacefully at his home, according to The Associated Press. Atkins, 77, had been battling cancer for years. In the 1970s Atkins fought off colon cancer, only to face surgery to remove a brain tumor in 1997. Atkins contributed to and played with many famous acts, including Mark Knopfler, Paul McCartney, Eric Johnson and George Benson. His wife Leona and his daughter Merle survive him. Tuesday morning's funeral will be held at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry.