Jerry Lewis Departs Muscular Dystrophy Charity

The comedy legend Jerry Lewis is no longer national chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and will not make what had been billed as his final appearance on its annual telethon next month, according to the Associated Press.

The Tucson, Ariz., charity announced the change Wednesday in a statement that praised the 85-year-old entertainer’s more than 50 years of service but offered no further explanation for his exit.

Mr. Lewis, who in recent years has battled serious heart, lung, and back problems, announced in May that he was retiring as host of the Labor Day telethon with which he has become synonymous. He said at the time that he would make a final appearance at this year’s event on September 4 and would remain the association’s national chairman.

Neither the charity nor Mr. Lewis’s representatives returned calls seeking comment Wednesday night.