B.B. King leaves hospital, tells fans he's 'feeling much better'

B.B. King plays at his club in New York in 2006 in an appearance marking his 10,000th career performance.

April 7, 2015 12:28 PM PT

Renowned blues musician B.B. King was released from the hospital Tuesday after being admitted for dehydration caused by Type II diabetes.

“I want to thank everyone for their concern and good wishes,” King, 89, said in a statement posted on his website. “I’m feeling much better and am leaving the hospital today.”

King was diagnosed with the disease more than two decades ago.

Born Riley B. King, the Mississippi native began his recording career in the 1940s and has released more than 50 albums, according to his website.

His hits include 1950s R&B piece “Three O’Clock Blues,” 1970’s “The Thrill Is Gone” and 1989’s “When Love Comes to Town,” a collaboration with U2.

Also known as the “King of the Blues,” King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Rolling Stone and Gibson have ranked him among the greatest guitar players of all time.

Last October, King fell ill during a show, was diagnosed with dehydration and exhaustion, and canceled the rest of his concert tour.

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