Hank Cochran Recovering After Aneurysm Surgery

Legendary Nashville songwriter Hank Cochran is recovering after emergency surgery on March 31 to repair an aortic aneurysm the size of a grapefruit. The 74-year-old is in good spirits, although a bit "tired," according to his wife Suzi.

Hank says that God often smiles upon him, and it was obviously true, thanks to the quick intervention of Doctors Karl Vandevender, Johanna Bendell and Chad Swan, who repaired the aneurysm before it burst.

Hank is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame and the Country Music Walkway of Stars. He's the mastermind behind Patsy Cline's 'I Fall to Pieces,' along with several other country classics like 'Make the World Go Away,' 'She's Got You,'' 'The Chair,' 'Ocean Front Property,' 'Don't You Ever Get Tired of Hurting Me,' 'Is It Raining at Your House,' 'Set 'Em Up Joe' and 'This Ain't My First Rodeo.'

A celebration of his 50 years in the music business in 2009 was attended by dozens of special guests, including Merle Haggard and Elvis Costello.

Hank is a survivor of pancreatic cancer, for which he underwent treatment in 2008. Hank's wife Suzi notes that he is only able to see a very limited number of visitors at this time, but says that emails are welcome and may be sent to: susienashville@aol.com.