Jennings services will be private

NASHVILLE, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Funeral services for Waylon Jennings, who died Wednesday at 64, will be private but a public memorial is being planned, according to the country legend's long-time publicist.

"One of Waylon's final requests was that his burial service be kept private and along with his family, we are honoring that request," said Schatzi Hageman. "Thus, there are no arrangements to be disclosed to the press at this time."

In a statement released from her Nashville office, Hageman included quotes from Jennings' widow, singer Jessi Colter, promising fans an opportunity to pay their respects publicly.

"I know how very much people loved Waylon and want to pay their final respect," said Colter, "therefore we will be planning a memorial service to take place in Nashville and those plans will be forthcoming."

Colter said Jennings remained in good spirits in his final days at their home in Chandler, Ariz.

"Waylon kicked ass right to the end and ruled the roost right up to the last minute," she said. "It always took all of us to try to figure out just what he wanted next and how to do it exactly the way he wanted it done! Waylon always did things his way and even won the final battle because he got to die his way -- at home and in his sleep."

Another country legend, Johnny Cash, issued a brief statement after hearing about the death of his long-time friend and onetime roommate in Nashville.

"Waylon was a dear friend, one of the very best of 35 years," said Cash. "I'll miss him immensely."

Jennings -- one of the driving forces behind the so-called outlaw movement in country music three decades ago -- had been in poor health recently, and had undergone surgery in April and November 2001 in connection with treatment for peripheral vascular disease.

On Jan. 7, Hageman confirmed that the singer's left foot was amputated in December after a diabetes-caused infection set in. Schatzi Hageman quoted Jennings as saying that he had been hobbling for more than two years, but was able to walk again with the use of a prosthetic.

Jennings said he expected to resume touring in a few months.

Known to his friends in the music business as "Waymore," Jennings recorded more than 73 albums -- including 13 consecutive multi-platinum, platinum and gold albums in the 1970s. In 1993, his "Greatest Hits" album went quadruple-platinum.

Jennings was a two-time Grammy Award winner and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Hageman -- who worked as Jennings' press agent for the past 10 years -- included some personal reflections in the statement she issued on Thursday.

"I loved him dearly," she said. "My heart is truly broken. He was one of my very first clients and certainly was one of the most colorful people I have ever met. And since Waylon wanted things kept quiet and private, our office will be doing our very best to do it 'his way' once again."

Hageman said her office would release details of the memorial for Jennings in Nashville "just as soon as we have them." She invited fans who to send condolences to the family c/o 1117 17th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212.