Former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford in Hospital Battling Cancer: Rep

— -- Former Toronto mayor-turned-city councilor Rob Ford -- who announced in 2014 he had cancer -- has been hospitalized, his spokesman confirmed Thursday.

Ford's chief of staff, Dan Jacobs, said in a statement, "With his family beside him, Councillor Ford is currently in hospital as he continues his battle against cancer. The Ford family asks for privacy during this difficult time, and thank the people of Toronto and around the world for their ongoing prayers and support."

Jacobs did not elaborate on 46-year-old Ford's condition, adding, "Should there be any developments, a further release will follow."