Colbert thanks fans for their concern

NEW YORK, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The health of Stephen Colbert's mother may be the reason Comedy Central canceled the taping of two episodes this week, a U.S. media report said.

The New York Post, citing sources close to "The Colbert Report," said Colbert took a break to tend to his ailing mother in South Carolina. Colbert is one of 11 children -- his father and two of his brothers died in a plane crash in 1974.

While no official comment has been made by the show or Comedy Central, Colbert appeared to address the rumor Friday in a Twitter post. "My family and I would like to thank everyone who has offered their thoughts and prayers. We are grateful and touched by your concern," the Twitter post said.

Two tapings of the mock news program in New York were canceled Wednesday and Thursday without any official explanation by the cable network.

Steve Albani, a spokesman for the cable network, told Fox News, "Unfortunately, we're not providing any details beyond the only official statement."

"They are a very private family," the Post quoted a source as saying.