Singer Clooney has cancer surgery

Husband Dante DiPaulo has been at Clooney's bedside

Jazz and ballad singer Rosemary Clooney has undergone surgery for lung cancer, her agent has revealed.

The 73-year-old former TV personality had the upper lobe of her left lung removed on Friday.

She had been diagnosed with lung cancer the previous day during a routine check-up.

Clooney's agent, Allen Sviridoff, said the aunt of screen heartthrob George Clooney was talking and laughing with her family the day after the surgery.

Cooney's hits

Half as Much (1954)

Man (1954)

This Ole House (1954)

Mambo Italiano (1954)

Where Will the Dimple Be (1955)

Hey There 1955)

Mango (1957)

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Surgeons at the Mayo clinic in Minnesota were quoted as saying the singer would be able to honour her recording and performing commitments "in the near future".

Her publicist, Linda Dozoretz, said the prognosis for Clooney's recovery was good, and her heart was strong.

"She is expected to be hospitalised for approximately 10 more days, and should be able to return home around the end of January."

Dozoretz said it was too soon to say whether Clooney would be able to attend the Grammy awards in Los Angeles on 27 February.

Clooney shot to fame in the Bing Crosby film White Christmas, in 1954

She is nominated to receive her first Grammy - best traditional pop vocal album for Sentimental Journey: The Girl Singer and her Big Band.

She is also scheduled to receive a lifetime achievement award.

Clooney shot to fame in the 1950s with her appearance in the film White Christmas, with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen.

She remains best known for her jazz and popular songs of the 1950s.