Father: Winehouse has 'serious' ailment

LONDON, July 13 (UPI) -- The father of British singer Amy Winehouse says she is suffering from a "serious health problem" that could potentially threaten her life.

Mitch Winehouse told Sky News his daughter has emphysema and even a single cigarette would be damaging to her health.

"I want people to understand, even if they give her one cigarette they're causing her harm," the elder Winehouse said.

"She has got a serious health problem. My biggest fear is that she would die and she won't die from an overdose, she will die from emphysema."

The "Rehab" singer's father said his daughter would stop performing in September to fully recuperate.

He also told Sky News he would give his son-in-law "the benefit of the doubt" when Blake Fielder-Civil is released from jail, where he's awaiting sentencing on assault charges.

"He has promised me that he will make things right when he is out. I'm going to give him the chance to do that," he said.