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Comic Kathy Griffin, undergoing lung cancer treatment, reveals 2020 suicide attempt

She discussed the June 2020 attempt in a post-surgery update to her 695,000 Instagram followers.
Kathy Griffin
Kathy Griffin in 2019.Matt Licari / Invision / AP

Comic Kathy Griffin, in the throes of treatment for cancer, told fans Wednesday night that she nearly died by suicide last year.

Earlier this week, the "My Life on the D-List" funny woman announced she was undergoing major lung surgery before expanding on recent health struggles.

"The last time I was in a hospital was in June 2020 when I tried to take my life and overdosed on prescription pills," Griffin told her 695,000 followers in an Instagram post. "With over a year clean and drug free, I now know I can do this and anything I want without those devil pills."

After going under the knife Monday, Griffin said she avoided prescription painkillers Wednesday night.

"Tonight will be my first night without any narcotic painkillers," she wrote. "Hello Tylenol, my new best friend!"

While acknowledging her ongoing treatment for cancer, Griffin said she's confident about facing all health challenges.

"Y'know what? I fear drugs and addiction more than I fear cancer. So, I think I'll be ok," she wrote.

Well wishes from throughout the entertainment world poured into Griffin's feed following her revelation.

"You are a warrior Kathy," actress Camryn Manheim wrote to her. "You got this. I hope you feel the sea of love crashing on your shores."

"Will & Grace" star Debra Messing told Griffin: "You are a warrior. And I’m proud of you. You are an inspiration."

Griffin's career appeared to take a big hit in 2017, when she posted a gruesome image on Twitter lifting a bloodied head that resembled that of then-President Donald Trump.

The image cost Griffin her longtime gig co-hosting CNN's New Year's Eve coverage with network anchor Anderson Cooper.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.