CMT News

Freddy Fender was released from San Antonio's University Hospital Wednesday (Jan. 30) following kidney transplant surgery a week ago. "Mr. Fender's recovery has gone exactly according to the text book," hospital representative Leni Kirkman said in a statement. "He will make regular visits back to the hospital for blood tests and routine follow-ups, but his doctors say he should be able to start getting back to his regular routine over the next couple of months." Fender, 64, received his new kidney from his 21-year-old daughter, Marla Huerta Garcia, who was released Sunday (Jan. 27) and is expected to make a full recovery. Fender plans to attend the Grammy awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 27 -- where he's nominated in the Latin pop album category -- and Austin's South By Southwest Music Conference in mid-March. 01/31/02