José Luis Rodríguez 'El Puma' Health Condition: Ricardo Montaner Releases Exclusive Official Statement

All members of the family, friends and fans of the Venezuelan singer José Luis Rodríguez​, better known as "El Puma," are expecting to see a quick recovery, after a double lung transplant the 73-year-old artist received in the city of Miami at Jackson Memorial Hospital. on Sunday, December 17.

For several years, Rodríguez suffered from chronic pulmonary fibrosis which has caused a deterioration of his health. The transplant was an important step and the only procedure that could save the singer's life.

Immediately, many speculated that "El Puma" was on the verge of death, so the singer's family released a statement via Venezuelan singer Ricardo Montaner to clear up any kind of misunderstanding and put an end to rumors. "To all the friends, journalists, media and fans of our beloved José Luis Rodriguez 'El Puma,' I would like to send you the only official statement his family sends, regarding the health of José Luis who, thank God, successfully recovers from lung surgery. God is good and miraculous!" wrote Montaner.

"Completed the first 72 hours after the transplant, and in view of a very positive recovery of these critical hours after such a complex and delicate process, we want to thank the goodwill of all the medical team that has allowed this process to take place," reads the statement.

"We also appreciate the good wishes and all the prayers that have accompanied our beloved 'Puma' in such a long process that we as a family have lived together. Now, a stage of recovery and care will be necessary for the evolution and improvement of José Luis, who with a lot of faith in God, has intact his desire to live and continue to love his audience.

José Luis thanks you infinitely for your love, your support and your good wishes, as well as the understanding of this process, as something discreet and very personal," the note finalizes with the signature of his wife Carolina Rodríguez and one of his daughters, Génesis Rodríguez. "El Puma" has two older daughters from his union with Venezuelan Lila Morillo, the artists Liliana Morillo and Lilibeth Morillo.

Liliana shared on Instagram photos with her dad and the caption: "Even if I cannot approach you; I am at your side.... You don’t see me? You don’t hear me? ..... Receive breath of life in the name of Jeshua Ramashia Talitacumi!”

Lilibeth Morillo also shared a throwback photo of her and her dad. "We are praying for you every day! ... I declare you healthy in the precious name of Jesus and free from all evil ... God bless you dad ... recover soon!" she wrote.

Galilea López Morillo, granddaughter of "El Puma," said present by also sharing a photo. "Although [we are] far away, I always think of you. Praying for you more than ever ... I hope that life gives me the opportunity to give you a kiss and a hug again ... keep fighting, this battle is already won. I love you Paco," she wrote.

To read the full statement in Spanish click here.