Tammy Faye Messner, Gravely Ill, Appears on Larry King
At just 65 pounds and fighting through the final stages of lung cancer, Tammy Faye Messner appears on Larry King. She hasn't let go of her optimism.
This is a strong, courageous woman. God bless her.
The full interview airs tonight.
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Tammy Faye Stops Cancer Treatments [tr]
Posted Jul. 19,2007 at 1:09 PM EST by Andy Towle in News, Tammy Faye Messner | Permalink
I guess when confronted by the spectre of death, some people's best reaction is to be cynical.
Do what you must to survive boys. I hope people are kinder to you when you're about to check out of the life hotel...
...if there's even anyone around left to care.
Posted by: mark m | Jul 19, 2007 5:44:32 PM
Wow, here I was about to go on the offensive for Tammy Faye with regards to Domo's post, but Mark M, you said it better than I EVER could. Thanks!
Tammy Faye is the truest example of someone of faith who can accept and not judge. She really follows the words that we attribute to Jesus, and to the letter.
The world is about to lose a small, but very love-filled, positive heart. And that void will remain so for a very long time.
May the angels carry you to heaven on their wings, Tammy Faye!
Posted by: Bill H | Jul 19, 2007 5:58:32 PM
While the thought of "angels carrying us to heaven on their wings" may be comforting to some, that certainly doesn't make it true (as the case with any religion - just because something is "nice" to believe doesn't make it true).
Death happens, it is part of life. It happens to us all, I don't need to imagine fantasies in order to deal with that fact. If it makes me bad or cold because I'm more willing to accept this than the credulous majority in this country, so be it.
I am sorry that anyone should suffer cancer. But there is no god here, don't waste time trying to find meaning in her suffering. What "god" would allow this, unless he's a sadist? God works in mysterious ways huh? Yes, that is a silly rationalization for people trying to hang on to their faith. Wake up.
Let me once more restate I am sorry that she has to suffer.
Posted by: JLS | Jul 19, 2007 6:12:33 PM
I haven't read the comments (and I'm not going to as I can only imagine how horrible some of these queens might get with this topic) but this makes me so sad. Say what you will of Tammy Faye, but she has a good heart AND went out of her way in opening her mind to homosexuality, and learning to understand it and accept it with open arms.
When I first heard she was ill I thought she would beat it, and I haven't even watched this video (I can't bring myself to, the opening image looks so terribly disturbing), but my heart sank when I read the title. I hope she passes peacefully and if there is a God and heaven, that she gets V.I.P. access. God bless!
:'(
Posted by: Cory | Jul 19, 2007 7:27:33 PM
Bless you, Tammy. I have many fond memories of watching "Tammy's House Party" when I was home sick from school and as soon as I get a turntable I will play one of the records I have of yours. I hope you don't suffer much more and that the heaven you believe in is there for you when you leave our earth.
Posted by: Becks07 | Jul 19, 2007 7:55:17 PM
Goodness gracious! I caught her while flipping through channels and had to flick it off. Is there no dignity in death anymore? This poor woman should be at home with friends and family not parading herself on TV. Media whores even in death, what has this country come to?
Posted by: the queen | Jul 19, 2007 8:15:55 PM
I feel so bad and seeing her on TV makes it worse. I think I fell in love with her during that reality show she was on and you could see the real her.
I think she has a great reward waiting for her on the other side.
GOD BLESS TAMMY FAYE!
Posted by: Bobby | Jul 19, 2007 9:00:03 PM
I had to stop watching because I felt so bad for Tammy Faye. Larry King is such a complete asshole the way he softballs questions to corrupt politicos and with Tammy he asks, repeatedly, stupid painful to answer questions. “Are you in pain all the time? Where does it hurt? Where exactly is the cancer located? Why do you want to be cremated? Are you scared of dying? Do you think you’ll go to heaven?”
Posted by: ggreen | Jul 19, 2007 9:13:32 PM
It seems as though no matter how many times I read this website, I am always disgusted by some of the repugnant and purely cynical comments I read.
Tammy Faye Baker will be remembered for her evangelist past, but more importantly, for her uniting impact, acceptance and advocacy of understanding all people, including those in the gay community. It broke my heart to witness the how much cancer has devasted her mind and her body, but her spirit is still as passionate, resilient and inspiring as ever.
To everyone who posted comments in regard to her and her husband seeking one last attempt at media glory, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Who are you to make such bitter declarations about her? Not once has she blamed anyone for having the disease; she has consistently thanked everyone for their support. In fact, she even thanked the gay community during the interview! And what makes anyone here an authority on matters regarding her religion and faith? If only half of you had as much passion for doing something benevolent in the name of humanity, the world would be liberated from so much hostility.
This is only the third comment I have ever posted on this site, to my recollection. I hope it isn't my last.
Posted by: Keith | Jul 19, 2007 9:46:27 PM
She truly is a great human being!Her passion and courage is amazing! God Bless her Heart!
Posted by: Fab | Jul 19, 2007 10:21:25 PM
She has strength I hope I have.
Posted by: Rob (lrdarystar) | Jul 19, 2007 11:16:46 PM
god's speed...no pain please
you desreve all the peace we can muster
you live and die in love...
and we are with you though.
Posted by: dj | Jul 19, 2007 11:17:41 PM
god's speed...no pain please
you desereve all the peace we can muster
you live and die in love...
and we are with you though.
Posted by: dj | Jul 19, 2007 11:18:46 PM
That was totally heartbreaking. And for Jim Bakker to not offer his support publicly during this time is unforgiveable.
I wonder where all her Christian friends are now?(the two-faced, hypocritical ones who kicked her to the curb)...I guess they are like the Religious Right.....just for show.
She really is a shining example of what it must be to be a "true" Christian. But I too have doubts of there even being a god....how could a god let such needless suffering take place? And not just her, but on a worldwide scale throughout history?
I too hope she doesn't suffer much longer and is at peace. She seems like a sweet, gentle person that didn't deserve such suffering. If there IS a god, he really IS a sadist, and isn't that different than Lucifer if you ask me.
Posted by: Jordan | Jul 20, 2007 1:25:16 AM
I haven't watched the whole interview; I've only seen clips. My own mother is dying of lung and breast cancers right now. My mom can't keep food down, either, and I know exactly what Tammy was talking about when she said she was craving a burger and fries.
I don't think Tammy is a media/fame whore. I think most people who criticize her television appearance do so because of their own discomfort. I see merit in her appearance on LKL. I think if my mom had seen that interview, she would have found comfort in Tammy's visible faith.
I am an atheist, but I believe whatever reality one conceives for themselves can have the power to get them through their darkest days. My sister finds comfort in her belief that our mother will go to heaven. I find comfort in believing that my mom's energy will be released into the world...my world, and that I will see her her beauty in the things around me. Two very divergent beliefs; both of which help us face her illness with hope.
Posted by: Chris Owens | Jul 20, 2007 1:31:05 AM
Thank you Chris for illustrating that compassion and atheism aren't mutually exclusive. Now if only all atheists could learn from your example.
Posted by: mark m | Jul 20, 2007 1:27:19 PM
I've just seen cnn.com and they are reported that Tammy Faye Messner died Friday morning. I hope her death was as free of pain and struggle as possible. And I hope she has found peace. She certainly deserves it.
Goodbye, Tammy Faye and thank you for your kindness while you were here on earth.
xo,
peterparker
Posted by: peterparker | Jul 22, 2007 3:54:46 AM