In a statement to CNN on Thursday, King’s rep said the legendary talk show host was “diagnosed with stage 1 Adenocarcinoma, the most common type of Lung Cancer, through a routine chest examination.”

“He immediately underwent a successful surgery to remove the upper lobe and lymph node,” the rep added.

The former CNN talk show host said he had no idea prior to his annual exam that there were any issues.

King has been open about his health issues in the past, including a 1987 heart attack and bypass surgery months later.

A former smoker who quit following his heart attack, King said he’s sharing his lung cancer diagnosis to help others.