Seriously Ill Ed McMahon "Fighting the Good Fight"

Mon., Mar. 2, 2009 10:29 AM PST by Breanne L. Heldman

AP Photo / Tammie Arroyo

Ed McMahon's health situation may be getting increasingly dire.

The star's rep, Howard Bragman, admitted Friday that the 85 year-old former Star Search host had been in intensive care at a Los Angeles hospital for several weeks for pneumonia and other unspecified ailments.

While no further information has been released regarding the former Johnny Carson sidekick's specific health problems, Bragman has issued a new statement on McMahon.

"I'm not a medical doctor, I'm a spin doctor, so I'm not able to give a diagnosis here," he says. "But, what I can tell you is this: I've seen many people come up to Ed over the years and say, 'You were a Marine.' Ed would look them in the eye and say, 'I AM a Marine.' What that means for his current medical challenges is the same thing it's meant for every challenge he's ever faced in life. It means he's a fighter—not a quitter. It means he's confronting it head-on with strength, courage and dignity.

"I would ask that those who care about Ed say a prayer, remain hopeful and send their good wishes, because Col. McMahon is still fighting the good fight. Ed, his family, and friends are looking forward to celebrating his 86th birthday Friday."