Laura Rauch/AP Photo

Entering what his wife calls his "final days," country music legend Ray Price, who has been battling pancreatic cancer, is leaving the hospital to return to his Texas home, where he will receive hospice care.

In a statement issued Thursday by the East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, where the 87-year-old was to be discharged before returning to his home in Mount Pleasant, his wife, Janie, said Price has decided against receiving any further aggressive treatment.

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"It's his decision to leave the hospital and return home to spend his final days on his beloved ranch surrounded by the comfort of his home, family and friends," his wife of 45 years said.

Price was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2011, the hospital said, and despite treatment, the cancer spread to his liver, intestines and lungs.

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The Country Music Hall of Famer, best known for the hits "Crazy Arms," Heartaches by the Number" and "For the Good Times," performed his last show in May. He has a new CD coming out, and several tribute shows honoring his career have been in the works.

Price offered a final message to his fans in the statement: "I love my fans and have devoted my life to reaching out to them. I appreciate their support all these years, and I hope I haven't let them down. I am at peace. I love Jesus. I'm going to be just fine. Don't worry about me. I'll see you again one day."