George Harrison today said he was active and feeling very well as he strongly denied reports that he was near death's door.
The 58-year-old Beatle and his wife Olivia said they were "disappointed and disgusted" by suggestions that he was close to dying.
"The reports were unsubstantiated, untrue, insensitive and uncalled for," the couple said today, "especially as Mr Harrison is active and feeling very well in spite of the health challenges he has had this year."
Harrison was treated for a brain tumour last month and had a lung operation this year for cancer.
Accounts of Harrison's condition were based on quotes from Beatles producer Sir George Martin.
He was reported to have said: "George has an indominable spirit but he knows that he is going to die soon and has accepted that."
George and Olivia's statement said "George Martin... emphatically denied speaking to any newspaper."
Harrison's other health problems included removal of a cancerous lump from his neck in 1997 and being stabbed and almost killed at home by an intruder in December 1999.
Harrison was the youngest member of the Beatles and his debut post-Beatles album All Things Must Pass was re-released this year to great acclaim.