Jerry Lewis won't appear on MDA telethon

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Jerry Lewis' publicist said Thursday the entertainer will not participate in the 46th annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Labor Day Telethon in Las Vegas.

The MDA announced this year the telethon stalwart was retiring as host after 45 years.

The Las Vegas Sun said the 85-year-old star, who has been in poor health lately, had been planning to perform his signature song "You'll Never Walk Alone" for the final time in a pre-recorded clip to air on Sunday's show, however, musicians hired to back him up during the taping were told the gig had been called off.

Lewis' representative, Candi Cazau, Thursday confirmed on NPR he would not appear live or via video on the program, but did not offer any details as to why.

The star-studded fundraiser is to be carried on more than 150 TV stations from 6 p.m. to midnight in every U.S. time zone, the MDA said in a news release Thursday. It will be emceed by Nigel Lythgoe, Nancy O'Dell, Alison Sweeney and Jann Carl.

"It's always a privilege to be part of the MDA Labor Day Telethon," pop star Celine Dion, who'll be performing in the 2011 show's opening hour, said in a statement. "I hope by taking part in this great cause, I can help MDA in its mission to make life better for families who are fighting muscle diseases. From supporting scientists who are searching for treatments and cures, to helping children go to MDA summer camp, MDA provides love and care in so many ways."

Boyz II Men members Shawn Stockton, Nathan and Wanya Morris echoed Dion's sentiment in their own statement.

"We're excited to be part of the MDA Labor Day Telethon this year and lend our voices to a such a good cause. We remember watching it growing up and it's great to be a part of something so historic that benefits so many people every day. Be sure to tune in to catch us on the Telethon this Sunday," the vocal group said.

Lady Antebellum, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Feinstein, Darius Rucker, Reggie Bush, Jimmy Webb, Richie Sambora, Jon Secada, Maureen McGovern, Jordin Sparks, Martina McBride, Steven Tyler, Randy Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Kurt Warner, Billy Ray Cyrus, dancers from the stage show "Come Fly Away" and comic magicians Penn & Teller are also booked to appear on the show.