Italian opera superstar Luciano Pavarotti, who had surgery for pancreatic cancer in July 2006 and then was hospitalized this August 8 due to a high fever, will stay in the hospital for further testing related to his disease.

Pavarotti, 71, is now fever-free. Still, he will remain hospitalized so his cancer can be fully investigated.

At the time of Pavarotti’s surgery, he had been planning to resume his farewell tour. But he has made no public appearances since this time.

Mervyn Edward Griffin Jr., a true pioneer in the television industry, passed away Sunday morning lengthy battle with prostate cancer. He was 82.

Friends say he impacted almost every corner of TV programming for decades. If he wasn’t in front of a crowd, he was behind the camera or behind the scenes, credited with shaping the television world.

Griffin began his TV career over half a century ago. His number one hit “I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts” propelled his career in 1950.

He launched Jeopardy! in the 1960’s, and the show still brings good ratings even today. The broadcasting pioneer sold his shows in 1986, as well as Merv Griffin Enterprises. They went for a reported value of $250 million, and a share of future profits. It was reported that Griffin made $80 million in royalties alone for composing the theme song to Jeopardy!.

Merv Griffin was initially diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996. He made good progress against the cancer but then his condition declined rapidly, and by Friday he was reported to be in grave condition.

Merv Griffin is survived by his only son, Anthony. “My father was a visionary,” he said. “He loved business and continued his many projects and holdings even while hospitalized.”